Which statement best describes typical phonophoresis parameters?

Which statement best describes typical phonophoresis parameters?

• A. Continuous ultrasound at 1.0 to 1.5 W/cm2 for 5 to 15 minutes.
• B. Pulsed ultrasound at 0.5 to 0.8 W/cm2 for 1 to 3 minutes.
• C. Electrical current at 100 V.
• D. Laser therapy at 2 W.

Answer: (A)

Phonophoresis combines a topical medication with therapeutic ultrasound to push the drug through the skin. To effectively enhance transdermal delivery, continuous ultrasound is typically used at a relatively high intensity for several minutes. The usual range is about 1.0 to 1.5 W/cm2 for around 5 to 15 minutes. Continuous delivery provides steady heating and mechanical effects that increase skin permeability and promote diffusion of the drug into deeper tissues. Using pulsed ultrasound at lower intensities tends to reduce heating and may not achieve the same level of drug delivery, which is why that option isn’t the standard for phonophoresis. The other modalities listed—electrical current or laser therapy—are not ultrasound-based and thus do not represent typical phonophoresis parameters.

Phonophoresis combines a topical medication with therapeutic ultrasound to push the drug through the skin. To effectively enhance transdermal delivery, continuous ultrasound is typically used at a relatively high intensity for several minutes. The usual range is about 1.0 to 1.5 W/cm2 for around 5 to 15 minutes. Continuous delivery provides steady heating and mechanical effects that increase skin permeability and promote diffusion of the drug into deeper tissues. Using pulsed ultrasound at lower intensities tends to reduce heating and may not achieve the same level of drug delivery, which is why that option isn’t the standard for phonophoresis. The other modalities listed—electrical current or laser therapy—are not ultrasound-based and thus do not represent typical phonophoresis parameters.