What can happen if the treatment area in ultrasound is too broad?

When the treatment area in ultrasound is too broad, energy from the ultrasound waves can disperse over a larger surface area than intended. This spreading of energy results in a lower concentration of ultrasound energy at any specific point in the tissue, which diminishes the effectiveness of the treatment. The therapeutic effects of ultrasound, such as increased tissue temperature or enhanced healing, depend on delivering adequate energy to a targeted area. If the area is too large, the energy becomes diluted, making it less effective for achieving the desired physiological response in the tissues being treated.

Using a more focused treatment area allows for better energy absorption, leading to higher therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, if the treatment area is too broad, the primary issue is the reduction in the effectiveness of the ultrasound therapy.