What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Ultrasound machines produce sound waves that are at a frequency that is too high for the human ear to hear. Ultrasound gel is put on the skin which facilitates the sound waves to enter the body. The waves travel through the skin and into the muscle tissue via the ultrasound head.
How does it work?
Ultrasound waves then pass through the skin and create a vibration of the local tissues. The vibration creates heat in the local tissues, but typically no sensation of heat is felt by patient. The deep heat of ultrasound increases the blood flow to the area being treated. This blood brings nutrients and carries away waste. This helps to promote healing and decreases swelling.
Who would benefit?
Therapeutic ultrasound is a tool that can be used to decrease joint stiffness and muscle spasms. Therapeutic ultrasound is great for speeding up the healing process by increasing the blood flow to the affected area. It is also beneficial in deceasing pain. Many patients would benefit from therapeutic ultrasound, especially those with osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, bursitis, chronic sprains and strains.
