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, 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.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/upper-extremity-function-and-stages-4653Upper Extremity Fractures and Stages of Fracture HealingBased on the latest evidence of fracture healing and complications responsible for impaired healing, this course also includes the classification of fractures, stages of healing, and case studies.auditory, textual, visual
Based on the latest evidence of fracture healing and complications responsible for impaired healing, this course also includes the classification of fractures, stages of healing, and case studies.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/diabetes-in-adults-current-guidelines-3958Diabetes in Adults: Current Guidelines and EvidenceThis course gives us an overview of diabetes in adults, discusses current perspectives and guidelines, and addresses its significance in PT practice. It also looks at some of the current literature that addresses the evidence for risk factors and interventions and to see how they may apply to our practices. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
This course gives us an overview of diabetes in adults, discusses current perspectives and guidelines, and addresses its significance in PT practice. It also looks at some of the current literature that addresses the evidence for risk factors and interventions and to see how they may apply to our practices. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/physical-therapist-guide-exercise-prescription-4483A Physical Therapist Guide to Exercise Prescription for the Diabetic and Pre-diabetic PopulationThis course equips the physical therapist to identify pre-diabetes and type 1 diabetes in their patients based on history and clinical signs and symptoms. Exercise Prescription, the interaction of other medications, and modulation of a current exercise program for patients with diabetes as a co-morbidity are also included. This course also includes the management of diabetes from a Covid-19 perspective. Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 3 hours of Direct Access CE credit.auditory, textual, visual
This course equips the physical therapist to identify pre-diabetes and type 1 diabetes in their patients based on history and clinical signs and symptoms. Exercise Prescription, the interaction of other medications, and modulation of a current exercise program for patients with diabetes as a co-morbidity are also included. This course also includes the management of diabetes from a Covid-19 perspective.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 3 hours of Direct Access CE credit.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/overcoming-compassion-fatigue-in-our-4314Overcoming Compassion Fatigue in Our Work EnvironmentThis seminar will describe the stages, causes, symptoms, and consequences of compassion fatigue. It will also introduce strategies for assessing levels of stress and implementing strategies to prevent/minimize the development of compassion fatigue in your healthcare setting. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
This seminar will describe the stages, causes, symptoms, and consequences of compassion fatigue. It will also introduce strategies for assessing levels of stress and implementing strategies to prevent/minimize the development of compassion fatigue in your healthcare setting. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/hemophilia-101-3822Hemophilia 101Hemophilia is a medical diagnosis seen few and far between on caseload, however one that has nuances that the clinician needs to be aware of prior to initiating services. This introductory course will cover what hemophilia is, its impact on the adult patient across the different continuum of care, and the critical education you need to pass onto your clients. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT. Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 1 hour of general and 1 hour of Direct Access CE credit.auditory, textual, visual
Hemophilia is a medical diagnosis seen few and far between on caseload, however one that has nuances that the clinician needs to be aware of prior to initiating services. This introductory course will cover what hemophilia is, its impact on the adult patient across the different continuum of care, and the critical education you need to pass onto your clients. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 1 hour of general and 1 hour of Direct Access CE credit.
