What specific characteristic does nonthermal phonophoresis use in treatments?

Nonthermal phonophoresis utilizes low frequency sound waves to promote the transdermal delivery of medication without causing thermal effects in the tissue. This technique is particularly useful for enhancing drug penetration through the skin by creating microstreaming effects and cavitation bubbles that facilitate the movement of the medication. The choice of low frequency sound waves is crucial because it enables the delivery of therapeutic agents effectively while maintaining tissue integrity and avoiding the potential tissue damage associated with high-intensity treatments.

In contrast, high intensity ultrasound waves primarily produce thermal effects and are not suitable for nonthermal applications. Non-invasive electrical stimulation, while beneficial in other therapeutic modalities, does not pertain to the mechanism of phonophoresis. Temperature fluctuations in tissues are typically associated with thermal ultrasound treatments rather than the nonthermal approach used in phonophoresis. Thus, focusing on low frequency sound waves as the mechanism of action characterizes nonthermal phonophoresis effectively.