There are some unusual applications of ultrasound, for example, phonophoresis. It is a procedure when a medicine is administered via the skin without an injection. It is very useful in the cases of hemophiliacs and patients who are afraid of needles. Essentially, the application of very low-dose ultrasound over a fracture can be of significant benefit. The main clinical issue is that the effective dose is actually lower than most therapy machines can deliver. Higher intensity ultrasound over a fracture can initiate a strong pain response which is useful when it comes to using the modality to locate potential stress fractures.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of therapeutic ultrasound by licensed professionals. It has the potential to produce harm, namely, damage cellular activity, if the heat is left in the same place too long. Unfortunately, there are situations when ultrasound therapy is unsuitable. For example, where tissues are located near the womb of a pregnant woman, lower back in women who are menstruating or pregnant, malignant growths, head, breasts, sexual organs, pacemakers and any metal and plastic implants. It is also avoided over open wounds, broken skin, also over the spine and the growth plates of children, as it may have unintended consequences.
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