The uses of ultrasound go beyond imaging of body organs at physiotherapy clinics. Physiotherapists also use it as a tool to treat soft tissue injuries and boost the body’s natural healing capability in the process. They often recommend ultrasound therapy to detect and treat a wide array of musculoskeletal problems that cause pain.
How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work?
The ultrasound machine comes with a gel and probe. The therapist first applies the gel to the affected area. Then they rub the probe in a circular motion over the area.
The device emits sound waves that travel through the probe into the skin. This causes vibration and breaking down of scar tissues, which in turn, reduces pain and inflammation.
The gel tends to reduce friction and allows the sound waves to hit the right area.
What are the Two Types of Ultrasound Physiotherapy?
Ultrasound therapy has two distinct categories, such as:
Thermal ultrasound
Thermal ultrasound is the most common. In this process, the probe causes optimal vibration of the skin and muscles. The constant vibration causes the affected area to heat up and release stiffness/tension. It helps with soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
This is also known as the deep heating technique and improves blood circulation.
Mechanical ultrasound
This one is quite complicated. The therapist uses ultrasound to create pressure differences in tissue fluids. This further develops bubbles which generate sound waves when interacting with solid objects. These shockwaves help relieve a wide array of advanced conditions such as kidney stones. Most importantly, it speeds up the healing process for you.
How Does It Help?
Physiotherapists use ultrasound to treat injuries in joints, muscles and ligaments. The treatment improves one’s health in various ways.
First, it treats muscle tissue injuries. The deep heating effect reduces inflammation and pain.
Second, it plays an integral role in improving the extensibility of a tissue. You can experience improved mobility in the areas that feel stiff.
Third, it improves blood circulation in the injured part. As the blood is enriched with fresh oxygen, the healing process of your body speeds up.
Besides these, physiotherapists also recommend this for scar tissue treatment, knee osteoarthritis, stiff shoulders and more. You can move or stretch your shoulders better if you combine ultrasound therapy with some range of motion exercises.
When Not to Use this Therapy?
Though it has several therapeutic benefits, ultrasound physical therapy isn’t for everyone.
People with heart conditions or a pacemaker, for instance, should avoid this therapy. Similarly, it is not recommended for pregnant or menstruating women.
The physiotherapist examines your full body to determine if ultrasound is the right therapy for you. They do not apply it over joint replacements, broken skin or malignant tumours.
Why Choose Physiotherapy First?
We provide ultrasound therapy to those who need it. Our team uses a slew of physical tests to assess the status of your health and injuries. We proceed only after confirming this is the right treatment for you. At times, we may combine other physiotherapy treatments for complete recovery.
Our team has years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions using ultrasound therapy and several other non-invasive therapies. Share your health concerns with us today!
Physiotherapy First is a dynamic multidisciplinary centre that works closely with your family Doctor and other healthcare professionals to provide the most complete, up-to-date rehabilitation science and service for you and your family.
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