Phonophoresis of non-steroidal drugs: a review of the clinical evidence

Abstract

Harrow, UKTherapeutic ultrasound is widely used for a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies and is the most common electrotherapy used in musculoskeletal practice. Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound as a physical enhancer of percutaneous absorption of drugs. This review of the literature of basic research and clinical trials of these treatments finds limited evidence of efficacy for phonophoresis of anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids and Phonophoresis in Pain Management: A Scoping Review

“…Research supports the effectiveness of phonophoresis in treating multiple conditions such as epicondylitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis [12]. Phonophoresis has been demonstrated to be more beneficial over oral administration of drugs, due to less side effects, more accurate dosage, minimal adverse interactions and more cost effectiveness [10].…”

“…Phonophoresis is a type of ultrasound application used to deliver pharmacological agents transdermally to superficial and deep tissue [9]. Phonophoresis was initially used in 1954 to treat polyarthritis on the hand through transdermal delivery of hydrocortisone ointment into areas of inflammation and has been used in clinical medicine for over 60 years [10,11]. Research supports the effectiveness of phonophoresis in treating multiple conditions such as epicondylitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis [12].…”