Ultrasound Gels and Lotions, Lotion Warmers

What is Ultrasound Gel?

Ultrasound gel is a type of conductive tool which is utilized in ultrasound treatment therapies and diagnostic techniques. At the beginning of an ultrasound therapy or examination, it is rubbed on the skin, and then a transducer is placed on top of it. A transducer is the device operated to send and receive the sound waves needed for a treatment or exam. Ultrasound gel is also coupled with a fetal Doppler to allow doctors and parents to listen to the heart beat of an unborn baby.

Some things act as barriers to ultrasound waves. For example, ultrasounds are not effective techniques for imaging through bone, and air and other gases inhibit the sound waves. Therefore, medical professionals must use ultrasound gel to prevent the formation of air bubbles between the transducer and the skin. The gel also helps conduct the sound waves from the transducer into the body. Ultrasound gel is normally thick and clear, but not uncomfortably sticky. When it is applied to the skin, it adheres lightly until it is wiped off at the end of the procedure. To keep the gel warm, many healthcare providers use special warmers to make it more comfortable when applying it to the skin.

What is a Topical Analgesic?

A topical analgesic is available as a gel, lotion, cream, spray, or patch. It is applied to the skin to provide temporary relief from the discomfort of muscle aches, arthritis, minor medical procedures, or shingles. Most topical analgesics work by making the painful area flush with blood to block the nerve signals and numb the area. They can also help reduce inflammation and pain. The localized action of analgesics produces fast pain relief along with minimal side effects.

The primary use of an analgesic is to relieve the pain and swelling connected with arthritis, as well as muscle aches and pains, tendinitis, strains, and sprains caused by sports injuries, repetitive movements, or physical work. One benefit of topical pain relievers is that they can be applied directly to the area of the pain. This enables minimal systemic distribution of the pain reliever throughout the body. In addition, the pain relieving action of the ingredients in these analgesics works faster than most oral forms since it is massaged directly onto the painful area. Also, it does not need to be digested and transported around the body.

What is a Lotion Warmer?

A lotion warmer is an electronic device used to heat gels and lotions to a certain temperature. It is available for personal use, but can also be utilized for professional massage and other therapeutic treatments in many styles to meet specific needs and requirements. Some are employed to heat lotions, gels, and oils for body massages. They are also helpful in cold climates for the purpose of keeping oils and lotions from becoming too hard to effectively use, or from spoiling. Caregivers and mothers use warmers to make lotions a comfortable temperature before putting them on a baby’s skin.

Beauty salons and spas commonly use warmers for oils and gels which are applied during facials and waxing procedures. Heated lotions are also sometimes put on the skin during manicure and pedicure procedures.

A lotion warmer has therapeutic functions and may be administered during the course of an ultrasound treatment or exam. It is normally standard equipment used by ultrasound technicians working in hospitals as well as private medical practices. This device typically contains one or more units built into it which allows the warmer to hold and warm various bottles filled with the gel that helps an ultrasound transducer glide more easily across an individual’s skin. A warmer may also be standard equipment in a chiropractor’s office.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer an extensive array of high performance gels, lotions and lotion warmers from top quality vendors, such as Independence Medical, Fabrication Enterprises, North Coast, Whitehall Manufacturing, Mettler Electronics, Ideal Products, Chattanooga, Medline, and Ideal Products.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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