Ultrasound Treatment
What is ultrasound treatment?
Ultrasound is a type of treatment that provides heat to deep tissues. A special machine is used that sends out sound waves at a high frequency. These sound waves are too high to be heard by the human ear. The deep heat causes changes in the injured tissue and helps it to heal.
When is ultrasound used?
Ultrasound treatment is used for chronic muscle, overuse, and soft tissue injuries. It is used on deep soft tissue, muscle bruises, and scar tissue. Often it is used along with a physical therapy program of stretches and exercises.
What happens during the ultrasound treatment?
First, a coupling medium is applied to the skin. This is usually a water-soluble gel. The ultrasound device is turned on to the correct setting. The transducer is put on to the gel on the skin. The therapist moves the transducer in slow even movements. This evenly spreads the deep heat and energy. The therapy normally lasts for 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens after the ultrasound treatment?
After the ultrasound treatment is finished the gel is wiped off your skin. You should again stretch the muscle and soft tissue of the treated area. This takes advantage of the improved elasticity of the tissue.
The effects of the ultrasound treatment are temporary.
What are the benefits of ultrasound treatment?
Common advantages of ultrasound treatment include:
- Increased blood flow to injured area.
- Increased tissue healing.
- Increase tissue elasticity.
- Decreased pain in injured area.
- Decreased inflammation.
- Decreased scar tissue.
Ultrasound treatment on injured soft tissue may lead to faster recovery, quicker return to activities, and less pain.
What are the risks associated with the ultrasound treatment?
Complications from ultrasound treatment are rare. However, some risks of ultrasound are:
- Soft tissue burns.
- Bone burns.
- Bleeding problems.
- Increased swelling.
Pregnant women should not have this kind of ultrasound treatment. Also, there are some parts of the body on which ultrasound should not be used:
- bone growth plates
- body parts with metal implants
- Areas with a lot of fluid such as the ears, eyes, brain, testes, and spinal cord. reproductive organs