Ultrasound Therapy

What is Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a therapeutic modality that uses sound waves, or ultrasound, to treat several medical conditions. Ultrasound therapy can reduce inflammation and pain and improve the range of motion of joints and muscles. It also helps speed healing in chronic and acute injuries of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as for some underlying medical conditions. 

The therapy also induces energy into the body, creating small gas bubbles that expand and contract quickly around the tissues. Due to the contraction and expansion of the bubbles, the injured tissues heal faster. Physiotherapists with licenses and qualifications can apply the therapy for an effective outcome. The treatment procedure can be used for different tissues and is highly beneficial.

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Understanding Ultrasound Therapy: Benefits and Applications

How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work

Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to produce therapeutic effects. 

Ultrasound Waves: 

Ultrasound waves are sound waves with a frequency above the range of human hearing. The waves generate small vibrations that travel through the tissues and stimulate them to heal. 

Deep Tissue Stimulation: 

Ultrasound therapy also encourages deep tissue stimulation, as the waves penetrate the tissues and muscles, stimulating them to increase circulation and heal. 

Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy offers many potential therapeutic benefits for pain or injury patients. 

Flexibility: Applied Ultrasound Therapy is designed to improve the flexibility of tendons and ligaments, reducing their stiffness and enhancing their ability to move quickly and more efficiently. 

Pain & inflammation reduction: For beginners, the therapy relieves pain and heals the deep tissues in the body. It also reduces muscle spasms and tightness, inflammation that may be identified as the root causes of pain, and speeds up healing.

Relaxing tension in the tissues: Ultrasound therapy treats musculoskeletal conditions caused by muscle tissue damage from accidents or injuries. Providing deep heat to the tissues relieves tension and increases blood flow, helping cells receive healing fluids. This makes it effective in treating soft tissue lesions and surgical wounds.

Improved Circulation: Ultrasound Therapy may help increase circulation, freeing up vessels and allowing blood to flow more freely to areas needing healing. This improved circulation also helps to increase the speed of recovery of tissue. 

Breaking down scar tissue: The effect of the therapy causes small vibrations, affecting the fibers and causing the scar tissue to form. The scar tissue breakdown increases motion range and maintains it for long-term relief.

Types of Ultrasound Machines 

Ultrasound machines come in two primary types: diagnostic and therapeutic. 

Diagnostic Ultrasound Machines

Diagnostic ultrasound machines are generally used for imaging organs and can be used for diagnosing a variety of medical conditions. They are more advanced than therapeutic machines and use a more potent form of ultrasound. 

Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines

These machines use a lower-intensity of ultrasound, which is used to treat specific medical conditions. It can speed up healing and treat injuries in soft tissues. Therapeutic machines are less sophisticated than diagnostic machines, and the treatment equipment is much more affordable. 

Pain Relief Through Ultrasound Therapy 

Ultrasound therapy treats pain and reduces inflammation through trigger point therapy and deep tissue stimulation.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a technique that is used to release trigger points in muscle tissue, allowing the muscle to relax and reduce pain. The ultrasound therapy machine applies pressure to these trigger points while a gel increases conduction. 

Rapid Pain Relief With Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy reduces pain by producing small vibrations in the tissue, which can increase blood flow and improve conditions for healing. It can also reduce swelling and increase the range of motion of joints and muscles. 

Ultrasound therapy can provide rapid relief to those experiencing pain or injuries, as it is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and inflammation.

Ultrasound Therapy used for which Conditions

The therapy treats orthopedic injuries and includes.

  • Bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Ligament injuries and sprains
  • Tendonitis
  • Tears and muscle strains
  • The tightness and joint contracture
  • Swelling of the joint
  • Fractures and pain
  • Muscle spasm
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Myofascial pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Varicose ulcers
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Pressure sores
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Meniscal injury
  • Prolapsed intervertebral disc
  • Dupuytren's contracture

The therapy also treats soft tissue injuries, neck pain, low back pain, and rotator cuff tears.

Who Shouldn't Have Ultrasound Therapy?

The treatment procedure is safe and effective and is non-invasive. However, people with the following conditions need to avoid therapy.

  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Broken skin and fractures that are yet to heal
  • Not to be applied around the breast, eyes, or the sexual organs
  • Malignant tumors
  • Post laminectomy
  • Not be applied over spina bifida
  • Areas to avoid are the pelvic regions, abdomen, and lower back of menstruating or pregnant women
  • Acute sepsis

How to prepare for Ultrasound Therapy?

A professional physiotherapist selects a small area to apply the therapy, each lasting for five to ten minutes. Usually, they apply a gel on the head of the transducer to allow the sound waves to penetrate the skin. The therapist also checks the device's calibration and tests the applicator before starting the therapy. 

Risks and Safety with Ultrasound Therapy 

As with any medical procedure, certain risks and safety concerns are associated with ultrasound therapy. 

UV Exposure: 

Ultrasound therapy emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be dangerous if not administered correctly. It's essential to work with a qualified practitioner familiar with the operation of the ultrasound machine and the safe handling of UV radiation. 

The direction of Ultrasound Waves: 

It's also important to monitor the ultrasound waves' direction appropriately. An incorrect amount of energy can cause tissue damage, so it's essential to be sure that the practitioner properly controls the amount of energy used. 

Recovery: What Happens After Ultrasound Therapy?

After the therapy, patients experience deep relief as the blood flow increases with deep heat. It also relaxes the muscles and the connective tissue, causing relief from pain and muscle spasms.

Ultrasound Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment Option

Physiotattva’s professional’s provides safe and effective treatment method for many conditions with ultrasound therapy. Finding a qualified practitioner knowledgeable about ultrasound machines and the safe use of UV radiation is essential. With the proper precautions, ultrasound therapy can provide many therapeutic benefits for pain or injury patients.

Frequently Asked Question

What conditions benefit from ultrasound therapy? 

Ultrasound therapy relieves pain and joint stiffness and improves tissue healing. It has also improved circulation, reduced swelling, and promoted relaxation. 

How often should I use ultrasound therapy? 

The frequency of the therapy depends on the condition being treated. Working with a qualified practitioner to determine the appropriate frequency for your condition is important. 

How do I ensure the safety of ultrasound therapy? 

When using ultrasound therapy, following your practitioner's instructions and using the appropriate safety measures is essential. It should be directed away from the eyes and not stay in one spot for longer than 15 seconds. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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