A PTA initiates US using water immersion to the distal calf of a patient rehabilitating from a motor vehicle accident. The PTA had previously administered US using direct contact, 1 MHz frequency at 1.2 W/cm2 x 5 minutes. In order to maintain the same amount of tissue heating as originally used with direct contact technique, the PTA should:    

Evaluation findings for a 10-year-old include pain and limited range of motion following a surgical repair of the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament. The plan of care includes the use of physical agents for pain control and tissue healing. What modality should the physical therapist assistant AVOID the use of?  

To penetrate deeper tissues using US, what setting must be utilized?   

List 4 contraindications of ultrasound. 

A patient that has sustained a LE burn 3 months ago is treated in an outpatient PT clinic. The patient’s burns appear fully healed, however the pt. exhibits decreased knee flexion due to scar tissue formation. As part of the treatment program the PTA performs passive stretching activities in an attempt to promote collagen extensibility. Which thermal agent would be most beneficial to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment session?

An athlete presents with pain and muscle spasm of the upper back (C7 – T8) extending to the lateral border of the scapula. This encompasses a 10cm by 10cm area on both sides of the spine. If the ultrasound unit only has a 5cm2 sound head, the physical therapist assistant should treat:   

There is a relationship between the power of US and the intensity of US. Which of the following statements is MOST accurate?  

Alternating current has both ____________ and _______________ phases.

A PTA elects to use US to heat tissues at a depth of approximately 4cm. In order to most effectively treat the tissue at the specified depth the PTA would have to correctly determine the: 

A PTA is using US to assist the healing and flexibility of a first-degree strain to the musculotendinous junction 23 days after injury. What is the MOST effective application of US?