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Relevance of Underwater Ultrasound for the Treatment of Ankles

Andrew Starsky, PT, PhD

June 12, 2012

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Question

Do you use underwater ultrasound for ankles? 

Answer

 

I have personally moved completely away from underwater ultrasound.  I have moved to gel pads.  The gel pads seem to conduct ultrasound energy much more efficiently and they conform to any surface.  They can be used on multiple patients.  Typically a good gel pad, about 1 cm thick or so, will last 20 to 30 treatments.  Patients can feel the warmth through it.  They conform to many uneven surfaces such as the knuckles and ankles.  The gel pads cost in the range of $5 or less.  We use these repeatedly on the same patient.  We seal them in a ziploc bag and keep them in the patient’s chart or near the ultrasound machine with the patient’s name on it.  The gel pads we used are probably about a 2-inch diameter circle.  Because the gel pad is a little thicker, this is one instance where I may move towards 1.0 MHz ultrasound to get through the gel pad.


andrew starsky

Andrew Starsky, PT, PhD

Andrew Starsky earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree from Marquette University in 1992. After practicing in the engineering field for 3 years, he returned to Marquette and received a Masters of Physical Therapy degree in 1998. While working full time, he starting to pursue a terminal degree in Biomedical Engineering and received his Ph.D. in 2007. He has been part of the adjunct faculty since 1999 and became a full time Clinical Assistant Professor in 2005. Andrew teaches the didactic portion of the DPT program in the 5th and 6th years. He lives in Mequon with his wife and 4 kids and is an active participant in ultramarathons, Nordic ski races, and adventure races.

 


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