How to Use Phonophoresis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Phonophoresis is a medical procedure that uses specific ultrasound frequencies to push medicine through a patient's skin. You can use phonophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome as an alternative to injection of anti-inflammatory medication with a needle. Read on to learn more about how to use phonophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a referral from your doctor to a specialist who uses phonophoresis. Many doctors have diagnostic ultrasound equipment in their offices, but you need special training to use it for phonophoresis. Unlike some other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, it should be relatively easy to find someone to administer phonophoresis.

• 2

  Meet with your phonophoresis therapist and setup a treatment schedule. Carpal tunnel patients often need up to six weeks of this procedure in order for it to have a long-term effect. You should expect your therapist or doctor to use phonophoresis on you for at least half an hour every week.

• 3

  Have an exploratory ultrasound done to get the exact location of your carpal tunnel problems. Your main doctor may be able to supply this information to the therapist if you have already had this diagnostic test done. It's important for the therapist to understand where your problems are so the majority of the medicine can be sent directly to that spot.

• 4

  Relax while the doctor applies a corticosteroid cream to your wrist. Phonophoresis does not produce any sensation on your skin while it's being done, so you don't need to worry about pain or discomfort.

• 5

  Hold your wrist as still as possible and wait for the phonophoresis treatment to finish. The doctor will hold a piece of ultrasound equipment over your wrist and it will push the anti-inflammatory medication into your body. The procedure is most effective when it's done without any breaks.

• 6

  Watch how much time you spend on the computer while you're undergoing phonophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome. It's very easy to injure your hand again if you haven't reconditioned it yet. Your therapist should start you on various hand exercises about three-fourths of the way through your treatment.