A-Star PhysioGo 300A User manual

PhysioGo 300A / 301A
– User Manual

1. Basic information
Page 3 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 MANUFACTURER ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2. INTENDED USE .........................................................................................................................................................6
3. DEVICE INSTALLATION AND START-UP .....................................................................................................................8
3.1 UNIT INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1 Mounting of accessory holders ........................................................................................................................ 8
3.1.2 Connection of accessories – General notices.................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 Connection of patient’s cables and application of electrodes.......................................................................... 8
3.1.4 Ultrasound head connection............................................................................................................................ 9
3.1.5 Connection in combined therapy ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.6 Patient’s stop switch connection.................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.7 First operation................................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 SETUP MODE................................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.1 Basic information ........................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Language ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3 Global settings ............................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3.1 Date and time...................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3.2 Sounds ................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.3.3 Volume ................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2.3.4 Display ................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.4 Functional settings......................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4.1 Channel operation mode selection ..................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4.2 Program groups / medical fields.......................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4.3 US units ............................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.4.4 US head sensitivity .............................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.4.5 US head bad contact signaling............................................................................................................. 13
3.2.4.6 Battery – model 301A.......................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.5 Service ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
3.2.5.1 Electrodes test..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.5.2 US head calibration ............................................................................................................................. 14
3.2.5.3 Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.6 Statistics......................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.6.1 Info ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.6.2 Unit statistics ....................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.6.3 Accessories statistics ........................................................................................................................... 14
4. UNIT OPERATION...................................................................................................................................................15
4.1 PATIENT PREPARATION AND TREATMENT PERFORMANCE ......................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 General information....................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.2 Electrotherapy................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.1.3 Ultrasound therapy ........................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1.4 Combined therapy.......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 SCREEN CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.3 GENERAL CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.1 Treatment channel configuration .................................................................................................................. 19
4.3.2 Channel selection tabs ................................................................................................................................... 20
4.3.3 Limitations ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 DISPLAY DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4.1 Electrotherapy................................................................................................................................................ 22
4.4.2 Combined therapy.......................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4.3 Ultrasound therapy ........................................................................................................................................ 24
4.5 OPERATION WITH PRESET TREATMENT PROGRAMS AND SEQUENCES ........................................................................................... 24
4.6 FAVORITE PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.7 MANUAL MODE OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................. 28
4.8 USER PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.9 USER SEQUENCES ........................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.10 I/T CURVE ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
5. INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS...............................................................................................................34
5.1 INDICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. 34

1. Basic information
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 4 of 40
5.1.1 Interferential and AMF currents..................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.2 Kotz’ current – Russian stimulation................................................................................................................ 34
5.1.3 TENS and SP-TENS current ............................................................................................................................. 34
5.1.4 Diadynamic currents ...................................................................................................................................... 35
5.1.5 Ultra Reiz current ........................................................................................................................................... 35
5.1.6 Rectangular impulses..................................................................................................................................... 35
5.1.7 Triangular impulses........................................................................................................................................ 36
5.1.8 Tonolysis......................................................................................................................................................... 36
5.1.9 Microcurrents................................................................................................................................................. 36
5.1.10 USS – Unipolar Sine Surge.............................................................................................................................. 36
5.1.11 Galvanic current............................................................................................................................................. 37
5.1.12 Ultrasound therapy ........................................................................................................................................ 37
5.1.13 Combined therapy.......................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2 CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ULTRASOUND THERAPY .................................................................................................................. 37
5.3 CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ELECTROTHERAPY ......................................................................................................................... 38
5.4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR COMBINED THERAPY ..................................................................................................................... 38
6. ACCESSORIES .........................................................................................................................................................39
6.1 STANDARD ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................................................................. 39
6.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES................................................................................................................................................... 39
Table of figures
Figure 3.1. Electrotherapy sockets ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 3.2. Connection of electrodes ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3.3. Ultrasound head sockets .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3.4. Output circuits for combined therapy .................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3.5. Patient’s stop switch socket ................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3.6. Screen view – date and time edition ...................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4.1. Field description ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 4.2. A sample view of therapy selection in channel 2 ................................................................................................... 19
Figure 4.3. Location of channel selection tabs ......................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 4.4. Screenshot sample view for dual circuit electrotherapy A+B................................................................................. 22
Figure 4.5. Screenshot sample view for single circuit electrotherapy A and B......................................................................... 22
Figure 4.6. Screenshot sample view for electrotherapy sequences ......................................................................................... 23
Figure 4.7. Screenshot sample view for combined therapy ..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 4.8. Screenshot sample view for ultrasound therapy.................................................................................................... 24
Figure 4.9. Information screen sample view ............................................................................................................................ 25

1. Basic information
Page 5 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
1. Introduction
Read this manual carefully before starting the unit operation!
Follow the recommendations presented in this manual!
PhysioGo unit should be installed by the seller.
The recipient has the right to insist on the product operation training.
The unit may only be operated by qualified personnel or under supervision of such personnel!
WARNING: The device is intended for adult patients only. It is not intended for use in a home healthcare
environment.
Description of symbols used in this manual:
Read appropriate passage of this user manual, warnings or important information. Failure to
observe warnings can lead to injuries.
Important notices and information.
Following texts marked with this symbol facilitates device operation.
NOTE:
The outlook of screenshots shown in this manual may slightly differ from their actual outlook during device
operation. These differences may concern size and type of fonts and size of symbols. There are no differences in
the content of shown information.
Warning: No modification of this equipment is allowed!
1.1 Manufacturer
ASTAR Sp. z o.o.
ul. Świt 33
43-382 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
www.astar.eu

2. Intended use
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 6 of 40
2. Intended use
Multifunctional unit PhysioGo 300A / 301A is an active, non-invasive therapeutic device, intended for carrying
our treatment procedures using:
•bipolar (bidirectional) and unipolar (unidirectional) low frequency currents,
•bipolar (bidirectional) medium frequency currents and unipolar (unidirectional) medium frequency currents
modulated by low frequency waveforms,
•using ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis,
•combination method of current and ultrasounds.
Model 300A Non battery unit
Model 301A Battery unit
The unit is equipped with three fully independent treatment channels. The list of available therapies in particular
channels is shown in the table below.
Channel Therapy
1
Single circuit electrotherapy – A
Dual circuit electrotherapy – A+B
2
Single circuit electrotherapy – B
Combined therapy – ultrasound therapy and electrotherapy
3 Ultrasound therapy
Detailed information about available configurations is presented further in this manual.
The unit possesses the base of preset treatment procedures along with therapeutic encyclopedia, which
significantly increases comfort of operation.
There is also a possibility to create own user-defined:
•programs – for all therapies,
•sequences – for electrotherapy.
In the range of ultrasound therapy, PhysioGo unit may cooperate with the following types of ultrasound heads:
•dedicated to standard ultrasound therapy with the effective radiation area 4 cm2, which generates the
ultrasound wave with 1 MHz or 3,5 MHz frequency,
•dedicated to standard ultrasound therapy with the effective radiation area 1 cm2, which generates the
ultrasound wave with 1 MHz or 3,5 MHz frequency.
PhysioGo unit – model 300A / 301A enables the simultaneous connection of two ultrasound heads. In manual
mode, selection of ultrasound head type is done by the field marked with a symbol . In the case of preset
treatment programs and user-defined programs, when you start the procedure the head type selection window
will appear.
The unit may perform treatments by:
•interferential currents – dynamic and isoplanar,
•one-channel sine wave current (AMF),
•Kotz’ – Russian stimulation,

2. Intended use
Page 7 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
•TENS, BURST and formed in packages to spastic paralysis SP-TENS currents,
•tonolysis – to spastic paralysis,
•ionophoresis and galvanization of constant current (in the continuous and interrupted mode),
•triangular or rectangular pulses (in continuous and interrupted mode),
•Träbert (Ultra Reiz), Leduc’ and neofaradic (in continuous and interrupted mode),
•diadynamic according to Bernard – MF, DF, CP, CP-ISO, LP currents (in continuous and interrupted mode),
•USS – Unipolar Sine Surge current,
•microcurrents,
•ultrasound, phonophoresis in continuous and pulse mode,
•combined method of electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy,
•qualitative and quantitative electrodiagnostics of the nervous-muscle system.
For more details, see ”Indications and contraindications”.
Due to the versatility and the optional availability of a battery, the unit is perfectly suited for use:
•in sports medicine in case of training camps,
•wherever there are problems with power supply quality.

3. Device installation and start-up
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 8 of 40
3. Device installation and start-up
3.1 Unit installation
The first installation should be performed by a qualified manufacturer’s or distributor’s representative!
After removing the unit from the carton, check if the complete unit has been delivered. In case of any
inconsistencies contact the distributor or manufacturer.
After removing the unit from transportation packaging wait approximately two hours before proceeding to
next installation steps. This is aimed at adaptation of the unit to conditions in operation room.
The unit shall be placed on a table, trolley or in a cabinet near mains socket. Due to manufacturing under safety
class I the unit can be connected only to a socket with protective earth pin. It is recommended to place the unit
at such a height that it would enable convenient operation from the front panel. The light shall enable easy
readout of display indicators, however the unit shall not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Ultrasound heads may only be connected to the sockets when the mains supply is switched off. Installation
with power on may cause damage to the heads not subject to warranty repair. Plugging head to switched on
unit will make the head be undetected, so its use will not be possible.
3.1.1 Mounting of accessory holders
Mount the holders according to the information and illustrations given in chapter 4.3 of PhysioGo Technical
Description manual.
3.1.2 Connection of accessories – General notices
It should be noted that some of the connection sockets are multifunctional and different types of accessories
may be connected in. All connectors are protected against pulling out of the sockets. It is recommended to
secure the plug by tightening protection ring.
3.1.3 Connection of patient’s cables and application of electrodes
Electrotherapy cables should be connected to electrotherapy socket according to figure 3.1. Electrotherapy
sockets are marked with symbols: and .
Figure 3.1. Electrotherapy sockets

3. Device installation and start-up
Page 9 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
Patient cables are terminated with banana type 4 mm or 2 mm plugs – two are red and the other two are black.
Channels are marked with appropriate symbols. Electrodes should be connected to those plugs.
Figure 3.2. Connection of electrodes
After switching the unit on, red plugs are connected to positive pole, and black plugs are connected to negative
pole. Electrode connection polarity matters in case of treatments with galvanic currents as well as unipolar
currents of low and medium frequency.
As a standard accessory, the unit is equipped with elastomer-carbon electrodes. Parameters of such electrodes
facilitate performing treatment procedures within a full range of available values of output signals amplitudes. It
is recommended to operate with the unipolar currents using metal – tin or aluminum electrodes,
as they wear out much slower than the electrodes made from other materials.
As optional accessories you can purchase self-adhesive electrodes in different dimensions. This type of electrodes
is suitable for use with bipolar currents, especially TENS currents. They shall not be used for therapy with
unipolar currents! Selection of the electrodes type to a particular treatment should be based on doctor’s or
physiotherapist’s knowledge and experience.
3.1.4 Ultrasound head connection
Connect ultrasound heads into the socket marked as .
Figure 3.3. Ultrasound head sockets
3.1.5 Connection in combined therapy
To perform a combined therapy treatment please use the ultrasound head and electrotherapy patient’s cable
connected to socket B. After switching the mains supply on, the ultrasound head is connected to a negative pole.
While a red plug in channel B is connected to a positive pole.

3. Device installation and start-up
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 10 of 40
A black plug in channel B in combined therapy is inactive and electrodes should not be connected in.
Figure 3.4. Output circuits for combined therapy
3.1.6 Patient’s stop switch connection
Patient’s stop switch should be connected into the socked marked as STOP.
Figure 3.5. Patient’s stop switch socket
3.1.7 First operation
Connect the unit to mains supply with delivered detachable mains cable. Switch the mains supply on. Then press
the STANDBY key to start the operation. After switching the mains supply on proper work of all blocks are
tested.
In the case of battery operation, please hold on for at least 3 seconds the STANDBY key . Extension of the
holding time prevents unintentional activation during transport.

3. Device installation and start-up
Page 11 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
If after switching on mains supply the display is illegible and no light indicator is illuminated, check whether
mains fuse or mains cable operate correctly. Care shall be given to apply fuses with rating given on the name
plate. If fuse and cables are working properly, contact the authorized service.
If the self-test results in appearing on the display the information about unit or connected applicator defect
along with the error code, turn the unit off and contact with an authorized service representative.
3.2 Setup mode
3.2.1 Basic information
Keyboard components designed for the unit operation are called ”keys”.
The area on the screen, where after its pressing a specific unit reaction is followed, is called ”button”.
The area on the screen that has the possibility to select or deselect any item, is called ”selection field”.
To enter Setup mode, press
To leave Setup mode, press
To go back one level, press
Setup mode is available only if the treatment is not performed. Some setting options depend on the connected
accessories. In the absence of some accessories, the options will not be available.
3.2.2 Language
With the PhysioGo unit information on the display may be presented in different language versions. The user is
free to select language options.
To set the language version, press the Language button in the list of setup options, then press the desired version.
Language version change is immediate.
3.2.3 Global settings
3.2.3.1 Date and time
In this section there is a possibility to adjust date and time. To change these settings, press the button Edit. Using
arrows, set the required value. Confirm settings using Set button or leave the edition mode by pressing Cancel.
Figure 3.6. Screen view – date and time edition
3.2.3.2 Sounds
The user may configure settings of acoustic signals, which occur during unit operation. Description of available
configuration options:

3. Device installation and start-up
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 12 of 40
•Keys sound
•Sound during treatment
•End of treatment sound
•Warning sounds
•Initial sound
In order to set the appropriate option, select or clear the selection field by its pressing.
3.2.3.3 Volume
The user may adjust sound volume level. To perform this action:
•press the volume bar at desired place, or
•use buttons on the screen, or
•use keys
3.2.3.4 Display
The user may adjust display brightness level. To perform this action:
•press the value bar at desired place, or
•use buttons on the screen, or
•use keys
3.2.4 Functional settings
3.2.4.1 Channel operation mode selection
This function allows the user to set preferred style of unit operation.
Option Explanation
Manual mode – automatically
After therapy selection, the unit is set in manual mode operation.
Program mode – automatically
After therapy selection, the unit is set in program mode operation.
Mode selection pop-up After therapy selection, the unit displays a window with a list of
operation mode selection options.
In order to set the appropriate option, select or clear the selection field by its pressing.
3.2.4.2 Program groups / medical fields
This function allows the user to set filters of available program mode options according to the preferred program
groups or medical fields. In order to set the appropriate option, select or clear the selection field by its pressing.
For program groups, the following options are available:
•Preset programs
•Preset sequences – only for electrotherapy
•User programs
•User sequences – only for electrotherapy
•I/t curve – only for electrotherapy, channel A
For medical fields, instead of the preset treatment programs and sequences the following options classified by
medical nomenclature are available:
•Orthopedics
•Sports medicine
•Aesthetic medicine
•Rheumatology
•Neurology
•Urology
•Dermatology
•Angiology

3. Device installation and start-up
Page 13 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
The classification of preset treatment programs and sequences into the above-mentioned categories do not limit
their applications in other fields, according to the knowledge and experience of doctors and physiotherapists.
3.2.4.3 US units
This function allows for selection of indication units for ultrasound therapy and combined therapy:
•Power – watts [W]
•Power density – Watt per square centimeter [W/cm2]
In order to set the appropriate option, select or clear the selection field by its pressing.
3.2.4.4 US head sensitivity
For advanced users only!
It is possible to modify sensitivity of ultrasound heads in terms of no contact detection. According to treatment
specifics, the sensitivity can be improved or reduced beyond default settings.
To change it you need to:
Step Description
1.
Enter the setup mode. Select the Functional settings tab, then select the US head sensitivity.
2.
Select the ultrasound head type.
3.
Set a new sensitivity value.
Main features of sensitivity settings are listed below.
Sensitivity settings Advantages Disadvantages
Default Default manufacturer settings
High
•forced use of precise treatment technique,
i.e. for training purposes
•
protection of the ultrasound head against
too fast usage
•improved sensitivity on
load’s changes
•t
reatment timer stops more
frequently
Low
•reduced sensitivity on load’s changes
•facilitated treatment performing on small
parts of the body
•facilitated treatment performing on areas
including bones, e.g. hands
•
facilitated phonophoresis treatment
performing
•treatment timer does not stop frequently
•rapid usage of ultrasound
head – possible overheat
•reduced comfort of patient’s
sensations – possible increase
of heat feeling in the tissue
3.2.4.5 US head bad contact signaling
This function allows you to set the time after which in case of US head weak contact the treatment will be
interrupted.
Option Explanation
Default (after 5 sec.) The treatment will be interrupted after five seconds when the US head
will lose the acceptable level of contact quality with the patient’s body.
Delayed (after 10 sec.) The treatment will be interrupted after ten seconds when the US head
will lose the acceptable level of contact quality with the patient’s body.
In order to set the appropriate option, select or clear the selection field by its pressing.

3. Device installation and start-up
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 14 of 40
3.2.4.6 Battery – model 301A
This function allows the user to set the battery charging mode.
Option Explanation
Charge battery up to 80%
Reducing the battery power level extends its lifetime at the expense of
shorter working hours in case of mains power failure.
Charge battery up to 100%
Maximum battery working hours. Keep in mind that full battery charging
shortens its life.
3.2.5 Service
3.2.5.1 Electrodes test
This function allows the user to quickly check the usage status of electrodes applied in electrotherapy treatments.
It can also be successfully used to assess the continuity of patient’s cables.
In order to exercise the option, follow the instructions shown on the display. Detailed description of the function
is described in the PhysioGo – Technical description manual.
3.2.5.2 US head calibration
This function allows the user to change the ultrasound head parameters in case of frequent contact quality
problems caused by the frequency changes of ultrasound transducers characteristics.
In order to exercise the option, follow the instructions shown on the display. Detailed description of the function
is described in the PhysioGo – Technical description manual.
3.2.5.3 Miscellaneous
In order to exercise the option, follow the instructions shown on the display.
3.2.6 Statistics
3.2.6.1 Info
Provides information about the version of the unit, software, interface and software build date.
3.2.6.2 Unit statistics
Provides information about the number of treatment procedures performed. Statistics can be deleted. If you
want to delete statistics, press Delete programs countersbutton.
3.2.6.3 Accessories statistics
Provides information about the connected accessories.

4. Unit operation
Page 15 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
4. Unit operation
The unit may operate in one of two modes:
•program mode,
•manual mode.
Notes – unit operation:
•In the program mode you can use preset procedures of treatment programs, treatment sequences as well
as user-defined programs and sequences.
•In the program mode you cannot edit the preset programs parameters. However, they can be easily ”copied”
to the manual mode. In order to do it, press the button .
•There is a possibility to repeat the completed treatment. In order to do it, press on the keyboard or
screen.
4.1 Patient preparation and treatment performance
4.1.1 General information
To perform safe and effective treatment procedure you are obliged to:
•make sure if there are no contraindications to perform the treatment,
•the patient should be placed in a comfortable position while providing relaxation of tissues in the treatment
area, the patient should be in lying position in case of treatment performed near the head,
•sitting or reclining position should be applied to patients with respiratory disorders or breathing difficulties,
•inform the patient about the possible feelings occurring during treatment procedure.
The treatment effectiveness depends on the choice of parameters to the current patient’s condition.
The patient’s condition changes over time. Its observation and assessment should take place before, during
and after the therapy. Such an action is necessary for changing the parameters in order to adapt them to the
actual condition of the patient.
It is recommended to keep the records of treatment, including the parameters of the therapy, the area of
treatment, treatment technique, dose and symptoms after therapy. If the treatment does not generate the
intended effects, change of treatment parameters should be taken into consideration. It is necessary to
continuously update knowledge and follow literary activities in the scope of therapy.
When performing therapy, it is recommended to follow the guidelines given in the following sections.
4.1.2 Electrotherapy
•Before electrotherapy it is necessary to check the correct operation of the device and check the technical
condition of cables and electrodes using a tester or the built-in device function – see chapter 3.2.5.1.
•Use only disinfected and in good condition electrodes.
•Improper selection of electrodes can cause skin irritation and burns.
•In case of direct current and unidirectional pulse currents of long pulse duration it is necessary to use tin
electrodes.
•It is necessary to use properly moistened pads for electrodes, they may be made of viscose or fine mesh
gauze to “keep” water properly. For unidirectional currents it is necessary to use properly moistened pads
and of adequate thickness, however water should not drip from them.
•The water should be warm so as not to cause vasoconstriction in the area of performed treatment, you
should use casual tap water.
•Apply the gel (e.g. aloe Vera) coupling the electrodes with the patient’s body if there are no
viscose or gauze pads.

4. Unit operation
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 16 of 40
•Properly attach the electrodes with viscose pads to the patient’s body, e.g. by Velcro belts, elastic
bandage or sand bags.
•In the place of the arrangement of the electrodes it is necessary to estimate the continuity of the skin
and exteroceptive sensation.
•In order to decrease the resistance of skin you can clean it with alcohol or water with soap, after wiping
leave the skin moist. Small skin damages should be secured with medical or cosmetic petroleum jelly.
•During the first therapy it is necessary to use rather lower doses of current than the recommended ones.
Intensity (sensory threshold level or motor threshold) depending on the goal of therapy, it is necessary
to increase in accordance with the patient’s sensations and maintaining comfort during treatment.
•In case of reporting burning it is necessary to stop the treatment and examine the skin.
•The electrodes should be used in accordance with the indications of the manufacturer and should be
replaced periodically, depending on the degree of wear. Loss of electrical properties by the electrodes
causes the risk of burning the patient.
4.1.3 Ultrasound therapy
•Before the treatment it is necessary to check the efficiency of functioning of the equipment and to control
the cables and ultrasound head.
•It is necessary to explain to the patient the method of treatment and sensations during the treatment
(always painless).
•It is necessary to clean the skin (or soap or alcohol 70%) in the place of application. If skin is very hairy in
the place of treatment, it is necessary to shave it gently, cover the remaining parts of the body in order
to avoid undercooling.
•The position of the therapist should facilitate free access to the equipment in such a way that the
ultrasound head should remain for the whole time of treatment in contact with the skin of the patient.
Proper pressure is necessary in order to ensure firm contact between the skin and the head which enables
maximized transmission of ultrasound energy.
•It is necessary to use the medium conducting the ultrasounds, preferably gel.
•Coupling medium should be applied on the surface of skin, make continuous movements in the form of
overlapping or longitudinal circles, the head shall not be removed from skin, in case of pain or burning it
is necessary to stop therapy and change parameters.
•It is necessary to localize the tissue affected by the disease, determine its type, depth, which determines
the choice of frequency of ultrasounds (up to 6 cm frequency 1 MHz, up to 1 cm frequency 3,5 MHz),
surrounding tissues, tissues repair phase (acute conditions – only mechanical operation of ultrasounds,
in chronic conditions mainly thermal effect), chose the method of application (direct, indirect), determine
proper exit position: without pain, relaxation position, treated tissues should be moved as close to the
surface of skin as possible.
•In direct therapy the head is moved in a continuous way, by exercising pressure, parallel to the skin, by
applying steady, rhythmical motion patterns at average speed of 4cm/sec. Too fast motions cause too
low accumulation of ultrasound energy, too slow motions cause overheating of tissues in case of using
higher intensities of ultrasounds.
•Choice of the method of moving the head depends on the shape of treated surface. In case of treating
surfaces with irregular shape, motion pattern may appear as overlapping circles. This method requires
from the therapist to make circular motions of small diameter, the size of ultrasound head should be such
that the subsequent circular sliding motion overlaps the half of the previous motion.
•In case of treating larger, flat surfaces it is necessary to carry out longitudinal movements. This method
requires from the therapist carrying out sliding movement with the adequate rhythm and carrying out
side movements of length equal to half of the ultrasound head’s diameter. As far as possible it is
recommended to slightly press the head to the skin surface as this increases the penetration of
ultrasounds deep into the tissues.
•Even during treatment of relatively small areas, such as trigger points, elements of scars or tendons it is
necessary to make even very small but continuous movements with the head (often determined as semi-
stationary techniques).
•Ultrasounds in water bath are used if part of the body subjected to therapy is of irregular shape or there
is a spot sensitivity enabling direct contact with ultrasound head. Most often it is used in therapy of
palms, forearms, feet and ankles. Part of the body subjected to therapy should be immersed in degassed
water with temperature pleasant for the patient. Waterproof head must be placed at the distance of 1-2

4. Unit operation
Page 17 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
cm and move parallel to the treated surface. Intensity must be increased by 30 - 50%, to obtain a dose
like in direct therapy.
•Output power must be switched on if the head is in direct contact with the skin and at the same time it
is in motion. Such a procedure allows to avoid damages to the converter and prevent skin injuries, which
may occur if a sufficient amount of energy is taken back to the head. Control system which monitors the
contact of the head reduces the output power, if the head’s contact is inadequate.
4.1.4 Combined therapy
•Combined therapy consists in simultaneous effect of ultrasounds and pulsed current of low or medium
frequency on the tissues, by employing specialized devices generating ultrasounds and currents.
•Influence of ultrasounds increases permeability of the skin for the current, owing to which it is allowed
to use smaller doses of amperage. Combination of activity of ultrasounds and currents produces bigger
therapeutic effects than in case of their separate application.
•In combination therapy it is possible to precisely localize the place of application with a very small dose
of current as the ultrasounds increase the sensitivity of nerve fibers.
•Ultrasounds prevent or clearly decrease the effect of habituation which is negative from the therapeutic
point of view, therefore the electric stimulus is more efficient and may be applied in long term without
adverse effects.
•Combined therapy is of huge importance both in diagnostics (searching for trigger points, hyperacusis
zones and Head’s zones) and in treatment.
•In combined therapy ultrasounds are combined with bidirectional pulsed currents (TENS, HVS, average
frequency) in order to limit the occurrence of electrochemical reactions and ensure proper depth of
penetration.
•Choice of frequency of ultrasounds depends on the localization of trigger point. Frequency 0.8 – 1MHz is
used for treatment of myofascial trigger points and localized in connective tissue, whereas frequency 3,5
MHz in treatment of surface points in skin.
•The power density of ultrasounds used in combination therapy amounts to 0.5 to 1.5 W/cm2.
oThe power density of 0.5W/cm2is employed in the area of face and neck, it is recommended in case
of active trigger points and significant painful conditions.
oThe power density of 0.5 to 1.0 W/cm2is employed in the paraspinal area, it is recommended in case
of active trigger points and painful conditions of medium intensity and in slim patients.
oThe power density of 1.0 to 1.5 W/cm2is recommended in painful conditions of low intensity, on
limbs, in the area of hips and buttocks in stout patients.
•Most often impulse emission of ultrasounds is applied, with duty factor of 20-75%.
•Current parameters in diagnostics of trigger points:
otraditional, symmetric TENS – frequency 100Hz, pulse time 0.1ms, intensity above sensory threshold,
odipole interference, AMF – frequency 100Hz, intensity above sensory threshold.
Semi-stable technique, treatment time from several seconds to 2 minutes per one point.
•In combined therapy an active electrode is the ultrasound head, placed above the pain location.
Possibilities of placing a passive electrode:
ooutside the area where the treatment is carried out,
oabove the nerve supplying the pain area,
oabove the spot of referenced pain,
owithin a given dermatome, where pain area is located.
•In local therapy the parameters of ultrasounds and current are adapted to the actual condition of tissues.
•Additionally, pay attention to the technique of electrotherapy treatment performance.

4. Unit operation
PHG 300A / 301A User Manual Page 18 of 40
4.2 Screen configuration
Figure 4.1. Field description
Symbol Display Description
1 Status tab
Date and time
Battery
Quality level battery charging symbols
80% Percentage of charging level
Eco battery mode – charging up to 80%
Mains cable connected
2 Main menu
Therapy selection menu
Program mode
Manual mode
User-defined treatment programs and sequences edition mode
Information mode
Setup mode
3 Edition field
This field shows:
•available therapies
•treatment parameters in manual mode
•list of preset treatment programs and sequences
•list of user-defined treatment programs and sequences
•settings
4
Channel
selection tabs
Details are described in chapter 4.3.2.
Note: If the edition / main menu field is grayed out, it means that it is inactive.

4. Unit operation
Page 19 of 40 issue date 24.02.2021, rev. 10.1
4.3 General configuration
4.3.1 Treatment channel configuration
Channel Therapy
1
Single circuit electrotherapy
– A
Dual circuit electrotherapy –
A+B
2
Single circuit electrotherapy
– B
Combined therapy –
ultrasound therapy and
electrotherapy
3 Ultrasound therapy
Characteristics of therapy selection windows based on channel 2:
Figure 4.2. A sample view of therapy selection in channel 2
Symbol Description
1 Selected therapy
2 Therapy available