Physiotherapy Equipment

Paraffin Bath
Underpinning Theory
 Heat and Cold have potent effects on
tissues.
 Metabolic and enzymatic processes are
temperature dependent.
 Increase of 30C increases collagenase
activity several fold.
Underpinning Theory
 Temperature differences of a few
degrees alter nerve conduction at 50C
to 70C alter blood flow and collagen
activity.
Underpinning Theory
 There are three ways to heat or cool
tissue these are:
 Conduction
 Convection
 Conversion
Underpinning Theory
Way to Heat or Cool Best known example in
Tissue Rehabilitation Medicine
Conduction Hot Pack

Convection Hydrotherapy

Conversion Heat Lamps

Underpinning Theory
 This lecture will focus more on
equipment for Convection Heat Therapy
through the use of Paraffin Baths.
Clinical Use
 Paraffin Baths are commonly used to treat
hand contractures associated with
rheumatoid arthritis, scolera, burns, and
injury.
Clinical Use
 There are two paraffin treatment approaches
used.
 Dipping

 Continuous Immersion
Clinical Use
 Dipping is the most common of the two
approaches. Consists of:
 Patient submerging the treated extremity in the bath 10
times with pauses between dips, to permit a layer of
paraffin to solidify.
 The treated area is then covered in plastic sheet and
placed in insulating cover for 20 minutes.
 Paraffin is then stripped off and returned to the
container.
Clinical Use
 Continuous immersion is an alternative approach
and consists of the following:
 Treated extremity is dipped in once or twice in paraffin
and kept immersed for 20 – 30 minutes
Clinical Use
 Safety Considerations
 Thermometers should always be kept in
the reservior and paraffin temperature
should be always checked before use to
avoid burns.
Operating Principles
Operating Principles
 A paraffin bath is a thermostatically
controlled reservior filled with 1:7
mixture of mineral oil and paraffin.
 Typically held at 52OC to 54OC which is
high but still can be tolerated by the
human body due to the heat capacity of
paraffin.
Operating Principles
 The schematic of a paraffin bath is
similar to a hydrocollator the only
difference is its construction and how
hot water is utilized.
Operating Principles

Schematic of Paraffin Bath

 Operating Principles
 Water is heated and
monitored by the Parafin Chamber
Water
heating circuit shown
in the previous slide.
But if we take a look
at the illustration to
the right we can see
Heater
two chambers in the Lamp
Thermal
paraffin bath. Sensor
Thermostat
Plug
 Operating Principles
 The heated water in
turn heats up the Paraffin Chamber
Water
paraffin. A direct
heater to paraffin
heating is not used
because of paraffin’s
ability to burst into
Heater
flames at relatively Lamp
Thermal
low temperature. Sensor
Thermostat
Plug
Common Problems
Paraffin not heating up
 Possible Reasons:
 Heater coil is broken.
 Plug assembly has mechanical problems.
 Thermostat contacts faulty
 Suggested Action:
 Check Heater coil with ohmmeter if there is infinite
resistance it has already perished and replace with the
same part type or equivalent replacement.
 If heater is not broken then check if the electric power
cord is conducting. If it isn’t then replace the part.
 If plug conducts check the thermostat for proper
operation.
Common Problems
Paraffin Temperature to High
 Reasons:
 Thermostat not working
 Suggested Activity:
 Check thermostat by placing a thermometer on the
water and letting the heat go up until it reaches the
desired test point. The thermostat should, if properly
set up, open up the mains connection there by killing
energy to the coil.
 If this doesn’t happen replace the whole thermostat
assembly.
Base Level Maintenance
 Inspect the casing look for signs of leakage or
rust.
 Inspect the plug if there are no chipped
portions in its length or if the blades are still
straight if anything is amiss correct it just
replace the whole plug.
 Turn on the unit and using the thermometer
check if the unit can maintain its specified
heat level for the hot packs. If not replace or
repair the thermostat.
Base Level Maintenance
 Paraffin Baths are considered as Class I
Type BF devices such that they should
undergo the following electrical safety
tests:
 L1 – L2 Insulation Test
 Earth Resistance Protection
Physiotherapy Equipment

Hydrocollator
Underpinning Theory
 Heat and Cold have potent effects on
tissues.
 Metabolic and enzymatic processes are
temperature dependent.
 Increase of 30C increases collagenase
activity several fold.
Underpinning Theory
 Temperature differences of a few
degrees alter nerve conduction at 50C
to 70C alter blood flow and collagen
activity.
Underpinning Theory
 There are three ways to heat or cool
tissue these are:
 Conduction
 Convection
 Conversion
Underpinning Theory
Way to Heat or Cool Best known example in
Tissue Rehabilitation Medicine
Conduction Hot Pack

Convection Hydrotherapy

Conversion Heat Lamps

Underpinning Theory
 This lecture will focus more on
equipment for Conduction Heat Therapy
through the use of Hot Packs or
Hydrocollator Packs.
Clinical Use
 Hot packs are removed from the hydrocollator and
excess water is drained off.
 Hot pack is then wrapped in insulating cover or
toweling.
 This wrapped hot pack is placed on the patients’
target area and left there over a period of 20 to 30
minutes until the heat is gone.
 Once cold it is removed from the patient and the next
set of treatment is administered to the patient.
Operating Principles
 A hydrocollator is a machine use d to
heat up water to around 700C to 800C
where the hot packs are stored inside.
Operating Principles
 Operating Principles
 Hot packs typically
consists of segmented
canvas sacks filled with
silicon dioxide (sand)
that when exposed to
moisture baths absorb
many times of its own
weight in water.
 Operating Principles
Sensing Fluid Tube
 Water gets heated thru a
heating coil contained in
a metal tubing. Inside a
separate metal tubing
near the heating coil is
the sensing fluid.
 When the water heats up
it expands and at a
certain point pushes on
the contact points inside
the thermostat until the
connection breaks and the Heating Coil
heater turns off.
Operating Principles
Common Problems
Water not heating up
 Possible Reasons:
 Heater coil is broken.
 Plug assembly has mechanical problems.
 Thermostat contacts faulty
 Suggested Action:
 Check Heater coil with ohmmeter if there is infinite
resistance it has already perished and replace with the
same part type or equivalent replacement.
 If heater is not broken then check if the electric power
cord is conducting. If it isn’t then replace the part.
 If plug conducts check the thermostat for proper
operation.
Common Problems
Water is too hot
 Reasons:
 Thermostat not working
 Suggested Activity:
 Check thermostat by placing a thermometer on the
water and letting the heat go up until it reaches the
desired test point. The thermostat should, if properly
set up, open up the mains connection there by killing
energy to the coil.
 If this doesn’t happen replace the whole thermostat
assembly.
Base Level Maintenance
 Inspect the casing look for signs of leakage or
rust.
 Inspect the plug if there are no chipped
portions in its length or if the blades are still
straight if anything is amiss correct it just
replace the whole plug.
 Turn on the unit and using the thermometer
check if the unit can maintain its specified
heat level for the hot packs. If not replace or
repair the thermostat.
Physiotherapy Units

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve

Stimulator
 Underpinning Theory
 It has been suggested that electrical
impulses arriving at the central nervous
system through myelinated afferant
nerve fibers exerted a modulating
influence over impulses arriving later via
slower paced "A delta and C fiber."
Underpinning Theory
 Later a so-called "Gate Control
Hypothesis" was developed and this
said that pain relief following peripheral
nerve stimulation is due to the inhibition
of the small myelinated or unmyelinated
fibers by electrically activating the large
myelinated fibers.
Underpinning Theory
 This demonstrated relief of trigeminal
neuralgia with implanted electrodes in
the region of the trigeminal ganglion
was shown.
Underpinning Theory
 These hypothesis paved the way to
work on electrically stimulating sensory
fibers of the spinal cord to suppress
pain which resulted in the implantable
dorsal column stimulator (DCS).
Underpinning Theory
 This was followed by the development
of the Transcutaneous nerve stimulator
in 1967 by Dr. Sweet at the
Massachusetts General Hospital.
 The Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulator
(TNS) proved effective as a non-invasive,
non-destructive instrument in suppressing
pain
Operation
 The Transcutaneous nerve stimulator is
a relatively small device composed of:
 Frequency Oscillator
 Pulse Width Modulator
 Power Amplifier
 Voltage Clamper
 Current Control Circuit
Operating Blocks
 Schematic Diagram

Battery
2pcs 1.5v AA
Schematic Diagram

Frequency
Generator
Schematic Diagram

Pulse Width
Modulator
Schematic Diagram

Power Amplifier
Schematic Diagram

Current Amp
Schematic Diagram

Voltage Control
Circuit Operation
 The oscillator that controls the pulse rate of
the output from a variable one - shot
multivibrator with the output pulses from the
multivibrator being coupled through a power
amplifier to the primary winding of which
transformer is connected through a voltage
clamp and variable I.E. mode circuit to the
output leads from the device.
Circuit Operation
 Potentiometer are provided to vary the
pulse rate, duty cycle, and output pulse
amplitude as is necessary or desirable
for a particular patient.
Clinical Use
 Target area should be clean thoroughly
thru the use of alcohol and cotton
swabs or tissue.
 This is needed to prepare the skin for the probe
and make a good electrical contact.
Clinical Use
 Once the skin is clean place ultrasonic
jelly on the target area where the
probes are to be placed on.
Clinical Use
 Attach the probes they can be fixed into
position thru the use of straps or tape.
Clinical Use
 Once the probes are fixed. Plug the
probes into the unit.
 Make sure that the Amplitude is at its lowest
and turn the duty cycle and frequency knobs to
the desired value.
 And turn it on. Slowly crank up the amplitude
control and advise the patient that there will be
a tingling sensation and say when it becomes
uncomfortable so that the operator / therapist
can stop cranking up the amplitude control.
Clinical Use
 Once the Amplitude is set. Turn on the
timer and start the patient on his
treatment.
Clinical Use
 Once finished with the use of the
machine and the unit is turned off do
the following.
 Disconnect the probe to the unit.
 Undo the tapes or straps.
 Clean the probe surface with tissue or cotton.
 Clean the patients’ skin on the treated area.
Functional Test
 Materials Needed
 Voltmeter
 Oscilloscope
 400 ohm test load.
Functional Test
 Connect the unit as shown below.

4
TENS 0 osc
0
W
Functional Test
 Stimulator Voltage or Current
 Test Stimulator Voltage using oscilloscope
 The result should be within ±10% of the
manufacturer specifications.
 Current can be computed thru the equation
V=IR.
Functional Test
 Frequency Generator
 Using the test setup obtain the waveform
for each of the predetermined frequencies
on the settings knob.
 They should be within 10% of the given
frequencies.
Functional Tests
 Duty Cycle
 Using the test setup set check if the unit
can provide preset duty cycles. Waveforms
can be viewed thru the oscilloscope and
actual duty cycles obtained from there.
Base Level Maintenance
 Base Level Maintenance is conducted
every 12 months and is done to ensure
that the equipment is functioning
properly.
Base Level Maintenance
 Check the battery terminals for
corrosion and if found clean them up.
 Check the probe cord for electrical
continuity. Remember to shake and flex
the cable when doing this so that any
broken segments in the cable will start
acting up.
Base Level Maintenance
 Check the casing if there are any signs
of physical abuse or damage. If so
replace the broken part or repair it by
application of glue.
 Check that all indicators are functioning.
 Conduct a Functional Test.
Physiotherapy Units

Traction Unit
 Underpinning Theory
 Traction widens the
interverbral spaces, thus
reducing nerve root
compression by interverbral
disks and associated pain and
burning or tingling sensation in
the neck, arms, shoulders
(when cervical spine is
involved) or the back,
buttocks, legs and feet (when
the lumbar spine is involved).
Underpinning Theory
 Forces applied to widen interverbral
spaces are not met by using weights
and studies show that better results
occur when it is done intermettent or
cycled in a sufficient effective force that
is comfortable is used.
Underpinning Theory
 Pelvic Belt or Lumbar traction applied to the
patient lying on a bed was inefficient since
friction from the lower body against the bed
dissipated all of the linear force before it
could widen the intervertebral spaces.
 This caused the design and fabrication of split
type beds that roll back several inches from
the frame.
Underpinning Theory
 For cases where limb bone fracture
patients undergo traction.
 It is used to keep the area being healed
clear of the jagged edges from the broken
bones.
 It is also done to keep the healthy tissue
from suffering pressure from the broken
bones.
Clinical Use
 Let the patient lie down on the traction
bed. Strap down his upper body on the
fixed portion of the bed.
 Put the belt on his pelvic area. See to it
that the belt is locked in and doesn’t
slip off.
 Give the patient the emergency stop
button.
Clinical Use
Clinical Use
 Set the machine time interval, applied
pressure and start the machine.
 Monitor patient during the first
application of force.
 Ask if he is still comfortable with the
applied force on his pelvic area.
 If he is not comfortable stop the
procedure and recalibrate the machine to a
lesser degree of force and begin the
procedure again.
Clinical Use
 Once settled in, advice the patient that you
are giving him the emergency stop button if
any discomfort beyond his limits is felt he
may press the button to stop the machine.
 When the timer finished alarm sounds. Help
the patient by undoing the straps and belts
and for certain instances help him to get out
of the bed.
 Clinical Use

There are some instances

when the use of traction
doesn’t use the split type bed
but instead the patient just
sits down and with a special
neck harness connected to
the traction machine. Then
the patient undergoes the
prescribed medical treatment.
Theory of Operation
 The Chattanuga Traction is made up of
the following sections:
 Timer
 Pressure Sensor
 Control Board
 Compressor
 Piston
Theory of Operation
Theory of Operation
 The timer controls the duration of the
treatment and power up of the internal
components.
 Pressure Sensor tells the Control board how
much force is being exerted by the piston to
the patient.
 Control Board sets the duty cycle of each
treatment and the pressure applied to the
piston.
Theory of Operation
Theory of Operation
 The compressor brings compressed air
to the piston which is regulated by the
control board.
 The piston is the element applying force
on the patient.
Theory of Operation

Pressure is
monitored
by a Sensor
constantly
comparing
the measured
pressure to the
desired value.
Theory of Operation

Once the
desired
pressure is
achieved the
compressor
should shut off.
Theory of Operation
 When the machine wants to lessen the
applied force on the patient it simply
turns on the pressure relief valve 2 and
air from the piston escapes thru it
lessening the applied force on the
patient.
Theory of Operation
Theory of Operation
 When the emergency button is pressed
or the end of the session has occurred
both pressure relief valves 1 and 2 are
turned on. This vents all the pressure
inside the piston and the weight of the
patient helps in clearing most of the air
up thus lessening the applied pressure.
Theory of Operation
Functional Tests
 Timer Accuracy
 Check the accuracy of the timer with a
stopwatch.
 Turn on the unit.
 Set the timer to 1 minute. Start the session and
time it with the stopwatch.
 Acceptable error should be less than 10%.
Functional Tests
 Traction Control Accuracy
 Test vertically mounted traction units at 10, 50
and 100 lbs by placing an appropriate set of
weights on a chair under the unit and attaching
them to a coupling device.
 Set the machine’s force control to the equivalent
force in each case.
 Set its dwell and rest controls for 20 secs each.
 The machine should be able to lift each weight off
the chair.
Functional Tests
 Traction Control Accuracy
 An alternative test can be done by using a
spring scale and tests should be conducted
at 10, 50 and 100 lbs or pressure.
 The machine should be able to deliver
forces accurate within 10% of the indicated
value.
 Recalibrate the unit if it fails this test
criteria.
Functional Tests
 Intermittent Traction
 Verify correct operation when intermittent
traction is selected, using the same test
setup as done on the Traction Control
Accuracy Test.
 The rope should slacken after 20 seconds and
tighten after 20 more seconds.
Preventive Maintenance
 Electrical safety tests should be
performed every 12 months.
 A traction unit should be serviced
and tested every 6 to12 months,
depending on its use and age.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Chassis/Housing
 Examine the exterior of the unit for cleanliness and general
physical condition. Be sure that any plastic housings are not
broken, that necessary assembly hardware is present and tight and
that there are no signs of spilled liquids or other serious abuse. If
necessary, clean and lubricate any relevant components at this
time.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mounts and Fasteners
 Inspect the chassis and all stress-bearing parts. Carefully examine
the basic structure for evidence of:
 Undue stress, including metal fatigue.
 Fractures.
 Integrity of welds.
 Size, condition, and tightness of fasteners.
 Condition and characteristics of any mounting substructure (i.e., wall,
backing board or plate, chair or treatment table structure).
 Corrosion.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Castors, Wheels and Brakes
 If the equipment moves on castor wheels, check their condition.
 Remove all lint and dirt from castors and wheels and make sure
that they spin and swivel freely.
 Lubricate metal wheels with sewing machine oil.
 Check the operation of any brakes and swivel locks.
 If the wheels heat up when moved on relatively short distances
this is a sign that the bearings have gone bad and the wheel
should be replaced.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mains Power Plug
 Examine the mains power plug for damage and corrosion of the
blades. Attempt to wriggle the blades to determine that they are
secure. Shake the plug and listen for rattles that could indicate
loose screws. If any damage is suspected, open the plug and
inspect it. Check the tightness of the wire clamping screws.
 For disposable plugs, check the condition of the blades for damage
or corrosion if signs of these are found replace the plug.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mains Power Cable
 Inspect the mains power cable for signs of damage, cuts or
exposed wires.
 If damage is present, we can:
 Replace the entire cable.
 If the damage is near one end, cut out the defective portion and
reconnect the reusable plugs to the good section. Be sure to wire a
new mains power cable or plug observing correct polarity.
 Use stretch tape to cover nicked insulation on a electrically good cable.
But this is to be done if the cable is used in areas not sensitive to
bacteria growth since stretch tape can house bacteria when used over
a period of time to seal nicked insulation.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Cable Strain Reliefs
 Examine the strain relief at both ends of the mains power cable.
 Ensure that they grip the cable securely.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Circuit Breaker and Fuse
 If the equipment is protected by a switch-type circuit breaker then
check that it moves freely.
 If the equipment is protected by an external fuse then check its
value and type against that marked on the chassis and ensure that
a spare fuse is provided.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Controls and Switches
 Caution:
 Before moving any controls and alarm limits, note their positions.
 If any of them appear unreasonable, consider the possibility of
inappropriate clinical use or of developing device failure. Discuss this
with clinical users.
 Record the settings of those controls that should be returned to their
original positions following the inspection .
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Indicators and Displays
 Confirm the operation of all lights, indicators, meters, gauges and
visual displays on the unit.
 Ensure that all segments of a digital display function.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Alarms
 Test the activation of alarms, if so equipped.

 End of Session
 Emergency Stop
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Labeling
 Check that all necessary placards, labels, conversion charts and
instruction cards are present and legible.
Preventative Maintenance
Specific Routine Tasks
 Accesories
 Carefully examine operating levers, chains, cables, ropes and
spreader bars used to transfer the machines linear motion to
the patient harness.
 Examine ropes for wear and fraying.
 Cables should be clean and free of corosion and without
fishhooks, and kinks
 Check S-hooks, chain links, and spreader bars for cracks,
bends and other evidence of weaknes.
 Tighten, repair, or replace components as necessary.
Preventive Maintenance
Specific Routine Tasks
 User Calibration/Self Test
 Verify operation of these features, where applicable.
Preventive Maintenance
Specific Actions
 Clean the exterior.
 Perform Functional Test on Unit.
Electrical Safety Test
 Traction Unit is a Class I Body Protected
device. It requires:
 L1 and L2 Insulation Test.
 Ground Resistance Test
 Current Leakage Test.
Physiotherapy Units

Ultrasound
Underpinning Theory
 Therapeutic ultrasound units convert
electromagnetic energy to high
frequency sound waves which penetrate
tissues to produce pain relief through
thermal and non-thermal physiological
reactions.
Underpinning Theory
 The conversion of energy occurs in a
transducer.
 Parts of a Physiotherapy
Ultrasound Machine
 TGS Ultrasound Machine
Generator Head
 Parts of a Physiotherapy
Ultrasound
Wattmeter
Power On Switch
Time Indicator
Time Control
Output Enable Switches
Pulse Duration Selector
Amplitude Control
Equipment Operation
 There are two components of a
therapeutic ultrasound machine
1. Generator
 Creates the electrical energy, whose parameters are
set by the user, to treat the patient.
2. Transducer
 Is located inside the head and it converts the
electrical energy into sound waves which are
absorbed by the patient on a particular location on
his body.
 Equipment Operation
 When the patient is receiving
ultrasound it is better to apply
ultrasonic gel to the particular location
being treated.
 This is due to the sound wave’s
tendency to attenuate or reflect when
there is a change in medium. Ultrasonic
gel makes the space between the head
and the body seem very minimal.
Equipment Operation
 Modes of Operation for the device can
be:
 Constant
 Pulsed

 60 pulses / sec

 120 pulses / sec

Equipment Operation
 Duty Cycle for Therapeutic Ultrasound
can be:
 20 %

 50 %
Clinical Use
 Physiotherapy Ultrasound are used by
Physiotherapists in the following manner:
 Prepare the site of treatment by removing clothing
on that area and applying Ultrasonic gel.
 Plug in the physiotherapy ultrasound and select
the desired frequency, mode of operation,
amplitude and duration of session.
 Apply the head on the area with the Ultrasonic gel
and move it along this area until the units timer
runs out.
Clinical Use
 There are no temperature tissue
indicators employed by a therapeutic
ultrasound so it all depends on patient
feedback if it is too hot for their
comfort.
Clinical Use
 Moving the head along the area treated
with ultrasonic gel causes the gel to
move away from the target area due to
mechanics of moving the head around.
 So it is advisable to use a tongue
depressor to collect and move back the gel
on the target area during treatment.
Clinical Use
 After using the physiotherapy
ultrasound, the physiotherapist must
clean off the ultrasonic gel on the:
 Patients skin on the treated area for
hygiene purposes.
 Head of the ultrasound device, this is to
prevent corrosion of the device transducer
and other parts.
Assembly / Disassembly
Guidelines
 Make sure to take down the position of the control
knobs before opening up a unit.
 If adjustments are to be done, take note on how
many times the trimmers are turned and in what
specific direction they where turned.
 Collect all the screws into one container as to
minimize the possibility of getting one piece lost.
 When re-assembling the unit back, do not over
tighten the screws as this may cause them to lose
their threads or break the plastic housing of the unit.
Assembly/Dissassembly
Guidelines
 Consult the service manual for specific
instructions on how to take off and place
back boards and screws on the unit.
 If there are multiple boards and connectors
on the device label or draw where each one
of the cable goes to before disconnecting it.
 Ensure that no cables or boards are caught
on or squeezed by the casing when re-
assembling the unit together.
Assembly / Disassembly
Assembly / Disassembly
Amplitude
Control
- Transducer
Tank Circuit - Power Supply

- Pulse Width
Control

-Frequency
Generator
Wattmeter
- Timer Circuit Assembly
Functional Tests
 Equipment Needed:
 Stopwatch
 Ultrasound power balance or meter (1 to 30
watts.) Can be a homemade one.
 50 to 500 ml of degassed water / reverse
osmosis water.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power
 Connect the physiotherapy ultrasound to
the wall socket and connect its head.
 Take out the power meter and place it on a
lever work area. This is ensured by the
level indicator on the back of the machine
or if none is present on the device it can be
from a inclinometer or carpenters level.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (continued)
 Connect the power meter to the mains connection.
 Calibrate the power meter using weight or the
other specified calibration devices that comes with
it.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (continued)
 Once the unit is set to zero. Place the
remaining parts inside the meter and fill it
with degassed water.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (continued)
 Turn on the unit and set it into the highest
setting and place the head into the power
meter via the port hole on top of the
meter.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (continued)
 A clamp assembly may be used to maintain
the head stable and so as not to disturb
the water when obtaining the values.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (Alternative Tool)
 If a power meter is unavailable then we
can use a home made meter out of some
plastic, paper, and steel wires.
 Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power (Alternate Tool)
 Same procedure applies.
 Instrument must be in level working area.
 Use degassed water to do the measurement.
 Place the head to the port and watch as the
pointer moves. This is more or less the value of
watts per square centimeter of the head output.
 This test is not accurate but will let us see
the output of the head if there is any or a
larger amount.
Functional Tests
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power
 The acceptable error in the measured and
set value should be within +/- 20% of the
watts the unit was set to.
Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power
 If the error is too high then it can be
adjusted by rotating potentiometers inside
the system that control the output
amplitude of the signal.

Trimmers control
the low and high
output power of
ultrasound.
 Functional Tests
 Ultrasound Power Recalibration
 In case that the power output is good
enough but the display module is deemed
as too high or too low it can also be
recalibrated thru the us of trimmers.

Trimmers for low

and high meter
values.
Functional Tests
 Timer Test
 Check the accuracy of the timer on the
unit.
 Set the power to minimum.
 Set time to 1 minute.
 Start the session and time it by use of a stop
watch. The acceptable error is +/- 10 seconds.
Functional Tests
 Timer Test (continued)
 If there are errors in the timer exceeding
the given acceptable limits then an
adjustment has to be done.
 This can be by rotating potentiometers or
recalibrating the timer module being used
by the system.
Preventive Maintenance
 Electrical safety tests should be
performed every 12 months.
 A Physiotherapy Ultrasound unit
should be serviced and tested every
6 to12 months, depending on its
use.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Chassis/Housing
 Examine the exterior of the unit for cleanliness and general
physical condition. Be sure that any plastic housings are not
broken, that necessary assembly hardware is present and tight and
that there are no signs of spilled liquids or other serious abuse. If
necessary, clean and lubricate any relevant components at this
time.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mounts and Fasteners
 Inspect the chassis and all stress-bearing parts. Carefully examine
the basic structure for evidence of:
 Undue stress, including metal fatigue.
 Fractures.
 Integrity of welds.
 Size, condition, and tightness of fasteners.
 Condition and characteristics of any mounting substructure (i.e., wall,
backing board or plate, chair or treatment table structure).
 Corrosion.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Castors, Wheels and Brakes
 If the equipment moves on castor wheels, check their condition.
 Remove all lint and dirt from castors and wheels and make sure
that they spin and swivel freely.
 Lubricate metal wheels with sewing machine oil.
 Check the operation of any brakes and swivel locks.
 If the wheels heat up when moved on relatively short distances
this is a sign that the bearings have gone bad and the wheel
should be replaced.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mains Power Plug
 Examine the mains power plug for damage and corrosion of the
blades. Attempt to wriggle the blades to determine that they are
secure. Shake the plug and listen for rattles that could indicate
loose screws. If any damage is suspected, open the plug and
inspect it. Check the tightness of the wire clamping screws.
 For disposable plugs, check the condition of the blades for damage
or corrosion if signs of these are found replace the plug.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Mains Power Cable
 Inspect the mains power cable for signs of damage, cuts or
exposed wires.
 If damage is present, we can:
 Replace the entire cable.
 If the damage is near one end, cut out the defective portion and
reconnect the reusable plugs to the good section. Be sure to wire a
new mains power cable or plug observing correct polarity.
 Use stretch tape to cover nicked insulation on a electrically good cable.
But this is to be done if the cable is used in areas not sensitive to
bacteria growth since stretch tape can house bacteria when used over
a period of time to seal nicked insulation.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Cable Strain Reliefs
 Examine the strain relief at both ends of the mains power cable.
 Ensure that they grip the cable securely.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Circuit Breaker and Fuse
 If the equipment is protected by a switch-type circuit breaker then
check that it moves freely.
 If the equipment is protected by an external fuse then check its
value and type against that marked on the chassis and ensure that
a spare fuse is provided.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Controls and Switches
 Caution:
 Before moving any controls and alarm limits, note their positions.
 If any of them appear unreasonable, consider the possibility of
inappropriate clinical use or of developing device failure. Discuss this
with clinical users.
 Record the settings of those controls that should be returned to their
original positions following the inspection .
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Indicators and Displays
 Confirm the operation of all lights, indicators, meters, gauges and
visual displays on the unit.
 Ensure that all segments of a digital display function.
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Alarms
 Test the activation of alarms, if so equipped.

 End of Session
Preventative Maintenance
General Routine Tasks
 Labeling
 Check that all necessary placards, labels, conversion charts and
instruction cards are present and legible.
Preventative Maintenance
Specific Routine Tasks
 Head Cable, Head, and Connectors
 Inspect the cable connecting the head and generator for breaks,
signs of stress, exposed parts, and twisted portions.
 Verify that all the pins on the connector are not bend or broken.
 Examine the Head Assembly. Ensure that there are no breaks in the
handle. And air gaps on the transducer section.
 If it is suspected to be fractured or has any dents or air gaps on the
transducer assembly then open up the unit and inspect eh internal
parts of the Head for contamination and corrosion.
 If contaminated or corroded then either replace the assembly or re-
solder the connections.
Preventive Maintenance
Specific Routine Tasks
 User Calibration/Self Test
 Verify operation of these features, where applicable.
Preventive Maintenance
Specific Actions
 Clean the exterior.
 Perform Functional Test on Unit.
Electrical Safety Test
 Physiotherapy Ultrasound is a Class II
Body Protected device. It requires only
a L1 and L2 Insulation Test.