Functions of the cavitation device
The basis of the physiological action of the cavitation device are three main factors: mechanical, physico-chemical and thermal.
The mechanical action of ultrasound is due to a variable acoustic pressure and consists in the vibration micromassage of tissues at cellular and subcellular levels, increasing the permeability of cellular, intracellular and tissue membranes, due to the depolarizing effect on hyaluronic acid, etc.
The physicochemical effect of ultrasound is determined by the fact that the application of mechanical energy causes mechanical resonance in body tissues. Under its influence, the motion of molecules is accelerated and their decomposition into ions increases. The isoelectric state changes, new electric fields are created, and electrical changes occur in cells. The structure of the wave and the state of the hydration shells change. Free radicals and various sonolysis products of biological solvents appear. Electronic excited states arise. Lipid peroxidation processes change. Local stimulation of physicochemical and biochemical processes in tissues and activation of metabolism occur. This is expressed, in particular, in changes in the oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria in the liver and kidneys, increased intensity of tissue respiration, changes in the processes of glycolysis and pentose phosphate activity in carbohydrate metabolism, revitalization of protein and nucleotide metabolism, increased diffusion processes across biological membranes, increased mitotic cell activity, and increased blood and lymph circulation. Ultrasound can be considered a physical catalyst for physicochemical, biophysical, and biochemical processes in the body. Thermal effects at low ultrasound intensities are negligible; they result from the conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy. Heat accumulates mainly at the interfaces between different media due to differences in acoustic resistance, as well as in tissues that primarily absorb ultrasound energy (nerves, bones), and in areas with insufficient blood flow, since the blood draws heat away. Therefore, overheating is possible in these areas.