Ultrasound Therapy
You’ve heard of ultrasound waves used for diagnostic purposes, but have you ever seen them used for therapy? Therapeutic ultrasound is an underused yet excellent way of treating chronic pain and promoting the rejuvenation of tissues.
Typically, your physical therapist uses ultrasound therapy to help patients alleviate pain, boost mobility, and encourage circulation. Below we discuss the different types of ultrasound therapies and how a physical therapist can help:
What is Ultrasound Therapy?
Ultrasound therapy involves the emission and transfer of sound waves creating small vibrations in the tissue molecules. Consequently, the continuous vibrations increase friction and heat within the molecules, which helps improve the tissue cell’s metabolism and promote healthy healing.
The process starts with your physiotherapist or physical therapist pinpointing the affected area. After this, the professional healthcare provider uses a transducer to create waves within your body. As a result of the ultrasound waves, your body’s blood flow increases, and swelling or inflammation decreases. It also helps speed up the healing of torn ligaments.
Typically, doctors suggest ultrasound therapy to treat chronic conditions or surgeries, such as myofascial pain, scars, and muscle strains.
Types of Ultrasound Therapy
There are countless ultrasound diagnostic methods used across the medical field. However, when it comes to physical therapy, your physiotherapist will use one of the following strategies:
Thermal Ultrasound- In this treatment process, your physiotherapist uses ultrasound therapy to create small and continuous vibrations in your body. It leads to thermal energy transfer to various tissues located deep down. Thermal is ideal for people with musculoskeletal issues or broken tissues.
Mechanical Ultrasound This involves the creation of waves that leads to the expansion and contraction of bubbles of tissue fluids. As these bubbles interact with solid objects, you’ll experience shockwaves that help decrease inflammation, pain, and swelling. Mechanical ultrasound is perfect for people struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Final Thoughts
Chronic pain caused by myofascial pain, scars, and muscle strains can lead to severe health conditions and long-term disabilities, especially if left untreated. If you’re unsure how to manage them, try reaching out to a professional physiotherapist or physical therapist. We provide insights into controlling your condition and alleviating its symptoms through ultrasound therapy.
Here at Monarch Physiotherapy Clinic, we have a team of well-trained and experienced physiotherapists dedicated to helping you lead a healthy life. Visit our clinic today to discuss treatment plans and therapy sessions!
CONTACT Monarch Physiotherapy Clinic for more details.
