How is phonophoresis typically administered?

• A. Prescribed med from MD = cream or lotion
• B. Oral tablets
• C. Intravenous injection
• D. Direct injection into tissue

Answer: (A)

Phonophoresis uses ultrasound to increase skin permeability so a topical medication can be driven through the skin into underlying tissues. The usual method is a prescribed topical preparation—cream, gel, or lotion—that the clinician orders. The ultrasound is applied over this medicated layer with a coupling medium to transmit the waves.

This is different from swallowing a pill, which introduces the drug systemically through the digestive system, or injecting it, which delivers the drug via a needle either into a vein or directly into tissue.