Phonophoresis is a therapeutic modality that our experienced physical therapists use to relieve inflammation in affected muscles, tendons, ligaments, or arthritic joints.
With this treatment, high-frequency sound waves, delivered via ultrasound, are used to administer medication or another healing chemical to the injured body part through the skin.
If you’d like to learn more about phonophoresis and how it may benefit you, contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners today.
Quick facts: phonophoresis
- What it is: A painless treatment using high-frequency sound waves to deliver medication through the skin.
- Primary benefits: Reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and accelerates healing in muscles and joints.
- Common conditions: It effectively treats arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder.
- The experience: Most patients feel nothing or a slight, pleasant warming sensation during the procedure.
How does phonophoresis work?
Many people ask, “Does phonophoresis hurt?” The answer is no.
During your treatment, your physical therapist will gently move the ultrasound wand over the affected area. You will likely feel nothing at all, but in some cases, you may feel a slight warming sensation as the treatment is being applied.
The medications used in phonophoresis treatments are anti-inflammatories that relieve pain and reduce swelling. Ultrasound waves transmit the medicine through your skin for absorption, allowing it to reach the affected tissues beneath.
Some common medications used for phonophoresis treatments include:
- Hydrocortisone
- Dexamethasone
- Salicylates
- Lidocaine (FDA-approved for sonophoresis)
Phonophoresis can also be used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the soft tissues. Some of the most common conditions that our physical therapists recommend this treatment for include:
- Arthritis (affecting 1 in 5 adults)
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Schedule an appointment to learn more
If you are interested in learning more about phonophoresis treatments, contact one of our convenient locations in Utah, Idaho, or Montana today:
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, we provide each of our patients with personalized treatment plans for their specific needs.
If you are suffering from soft tissue damage or inflammation, schedule your appointment and begin finding relief and recovery!
Your next steps
- Request an appointment
- Receive a custom treatment plan
- Work hard and progress in your recovery
- Recover & enjoy life pain-free!