Non-System Ultrasound Safety

Non-System Ultrasound Safety

From NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy by Kyle Rice

May 27, 2026 · 10 min · Season 6 · Episode 21

About this episode

This episode discusses the safety of therapeutic ultrasound in physical therapy and presents a case scenario for evaluation.

A physical therapist is mentoring a student physical therapist during an outpatient orthopedic clinical rotation. The therapist plans to administer therapeutic ultrasound using the following parameters: * 3 MHz frequency * 20% pulsed duty cycle * 0.5 W/cm² intensity * 6-minute treatment duration Which of the following patients should NOT receive this treatment? A) A 14-year-old basketball player with Osgood-Schlatter disease over an open tibial epiphyseal plate B) A 72-year-old patient status post cemented total knee arthroplasty 8 months ago C) A 68-year-old male with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving treatment to the lumbar paraspinals D) A 59-year-old patient with diabetic neuropathy and absent protective sensation over the treatment region Looking for a quick way to learn important info about Therapeutic Ultrasound? Download my free cheatsheet here: www.nptecheatsheet.com/therapeutic-us Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

People in this episode

Host: Kyle Rice

Topics covered

  • therapeutic ultrasound
  • physical therapy
  • patient safety
  • clinical rotation
  • treatment parameters

Keywords

  • therapeutic ultrasound
  • physical therapy
  • Osgood-Schlatter disease
  • total knee arthroplasty
  • diabetic neuropathy

Sponsors

NPTE Cheatsheet

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPTE

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