The Interplay of Physics and Medical Science: An In-play Exploration Volume 62- Issue 3

M Chakraborty¹* and S Sen²

• ¹Department of Physics, Asansol Girls’ College, India
• ²Department of Physics, Trivenidevi Bhalotia College, India

Received: June 10, 2025; Published: July 02, 2025

*Corresponding author: M Chakraborty, Department of Physics, Asansol Girls’ College, Asansol -713304, India

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2025.62.009753

Abstract PDF

A subfield of applied physics called medical physics makes use of the physical sciences to treat, diagnose, and prevent human illnesses [1]. Medical imaging physics, radiation oncology physics, non-ionizing medical radiation physics [2], nuclear medicine physics, medical health physics, and physiological measures are some of the subcategories of medical physics. Ionizing radiation measurement, magnetic resonance imaging, and the utilization of physics-based medical technology (such as lasers and ultrasound) are the main areas of study for medical physics [3].

The entire field of medical science has undergone a revolution in order to enhance human health and well-being through the use of physics concepts, methods, and techniques in clinical practice and research [4]. In order to improve human health and well-being, medical physicists explore medical physics, a subfield of applied physics that applies physics concepts, methods, and techniques to practice and research in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat human diseases. Radiation Oncology Physics [5], Medical Imaging Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics, Medical Health Physics (Radiation Protection in Medicine), Non-ionizing Medical Radiation Physics, and Physiological Measurement are some of the sub-fields (specialties) that fall under the umbrella of medical physics. Additionally, it has strong ties to nearby fields like health physics, biological physics and biophysics. Félix Vicqd’Azir, a French physician, anatomist, and general secretary of the Royal Society of Medicine, coined the term “medical physics” in Paris in 1778. In 1814, Nysten’s medical dictionary underwent a revision that included the most suitable definition of medical physics [1,2]. According to the definition given in this edition, medical physics is “physics applied to the knowledge of the human body, to its preservation and to the cure of its illnesses.”

Healthcare specialists with specific training in the application of physics principles and technologies in medicine are known as medical physicists. They mostly work at academic and research institutes or in clinical settings. The application of physics in diagnostics enables precise imaging techniques like X- rays and MRIs, crucial for accurate disease detection and treatment planning. Applying medical physics techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases as well as safeguarding patients and medical personnel from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation threats are among the primary duties and obligations of medical physicists perspective of medical science. Working alongside oncologists and other therapists, medical physicists with expertise in radiation therapy are mainly responsible for administering radiation treatments to cancer patients. The most common treatments are external beam radiation therapy, which involves carefully delivering radiation produced by a linear accelerator to the afflicted tissues, and brachytherapy, which involves placing a radiation source inside the body.

Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and other fields are all included in medical science, which aims to provide a thorough understanding of health and illness. A significant field of medicine that contributes to advancements in research, diagnosis, and therapy is physics. Medical personnel can develop new technologies and practices that improve patient care and outcomes by using the fundamentals of physics as a guide. The practical applications of physics in medicine will be examined in this article, demonstrating how this field aids in the advancement of medical procedures. The discovery of X-rays, the creation of ultrasound technology, and developments in radiation therapy are important turning points that profoundly changed patient care, continuous advancements in medical technology, from the first surgical instruments to advanced imaging and robotic systems, have significantly improved treatment results [6,7].

Techniques for Diagnostic Imaging

X-ray Imaging: By using electromagnetic radiation to create images of inside body components, X-ray imaging makes it possible to see bones and specific tissues for diagnostic purposes. In several medical specialties, including radiology, dentistry, and orthopedics, X-rays are essential for the diagnosis of cancers, infections, and fractures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI relies on the magnetic characteristics of hydrogen atoms in the body to produce comprehensive images of organs and tissues using radio waves and strong magnetic fields. Although MRI offers high-resolution images without exposing users to radiation, its expense, lengthier scan times, and motion sensitivity may restrict its utility in particular situations. Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: CT scans provide cross-sectional representations of the body’s internal architecture by combining several X-ray images collected from various angles and using computer processing. CT scans improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis for diseases like cancer and trauma, which has a big influence on treatment choices and improves patientoutcomes in emergency situations.

Radiation Therapy

Understanding how radiation interacts with tissues to harm and kill cells-both malignant and healthy cells-is essential to determining the effectiveness of treatments and their adverse effects [5]. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays are among the various forms of radiation utilized in therapy; each has special qualities and uses in the treatment of cancer. The maximum radiation exposure for patients and healthcare professionals is regulated by safety procedures, which guarantee that hazards are kept to a minimum while attaining successful treatment results. Radiation therapy requires informed consent, which means that professionals must inform patients about the risks, advantages, and available options so that they can make educated healthcare decisions.

Biomechanics in Medicine

Developing ways to reduce sports-related injuries requires a thorough understanding of biomechanics [8]. Practitioners can alter training to improve safety by examining movement patterns and determining risk indicators. Through the use of biomechanical analysis, athletes can improve their performance by honing their techniques. Enhancing strength and movement efficiency gives one a competitive advantage and helps athletes perform better in a variety of sports [9]. When it comes to creating plans to avoid sports-related injuries, biomechanics is essential. By examining movement patterns and determining risk factors, practitioners can alter training to increase safety [10]. Through the use of biomechanical analysis, athletes can improve their performance by honing their techniques. Enhancing strength and movement efficiency gives one a competitive advantage and helps athletes perform better in a variety of sports

Medical Devices and Physics

Imaging Equipment: Recent developments in imaging technology, such as MRI and CT scans, improve diagnostic capabilities and enable better treatment planning and early diagnosis of a range of medical disorders.

Monitoring Devices: Wearable technology and other cutting- edge monitoring tools provide real-time health tracking, enabling patients and healthcare professionals to make decisions based on ongoing data [11].

Physics’s Contribution to Device Operation

Electromagnetic Principles: Devices such as MRI machines, which use radio waves and magnetic fields to produce finely detailed images of the human body, are based on electromagnetic principles [12].

Mechanical Aspects: In order to provide longevity, accuracy, and user-friendly interfaces that improve the patient experience, mechanics is essential to the design and operation of medical equipment [13].

Therapeutic Applications of Physics

Laser Therapy: With the use of specific wavelengths, lasers work by interacting with biological tissues to promote cellular healing and reduce inflammation. Clinically, laser treatment is used to improve healing processes and shorten recovery times for a variety of illnesses, such as pain management, tissue repair, and cosmetic surgeries.

Ultrasonography: According to sound wave theory, ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of inside structures, giving real-time information about blood flow and organ function. Ultrasonography helps determine gestational age, monitors fetal development, and evaluates possible abnormalities in prenatal care, enabling expectant parents to make educated healthcare decisions.

Cryotherapy: The basic basis of cryotherapy is the application of low temperatures to tissues, which results in vasoconstriction, decreased inflammation, and analgesic effects for a variety of injuries. Cryotherapy is utilized in treatment protocols to relieve pain, sports injuries, and recovery processes. It significantly reduces muscular soreness and improves rehabilitation results.

AI in Diagnostic Physics

By increasing prediction capacities, enabling individualized treatment plans for patients, and improving accuracy and speed in medical imaging processing, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing diagnostic physics.

Nanotechnology in Medicine

Innovative medical treatments and diagnostics are being made possible by nanotechnology, which also makes it possible to develop new imaging methods and tailored drug delivery systems that greatly improve patient outcomes and research capacities [14,15].

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Physics and Biomedicine Synergy: Through cooperation across these disparate disciplines, the nexus of physics and biomedicine opens up new research directions that facilitate improvements in medical devices, imaging methods, and therapeutic approaches

Educating the Upcoming Generation of Experts: These interdisciplinary approaches must be included into education in order to prepare future professionals, with an emphasis on skill development that fosters cooperation within the domains of biology, engineering, and physics.

To ensure responsible development and deployment within healthcare, ethical concerns like patient privacy, data security, and equal access to innovations must be addressed as technology advance. To safeguard patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public while embracing innovative healthcare solutions, it is imperative to strike a balance between preserving safety procedures and accelerating technological innovation.

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