Many people believe that ultrasound technology is used for images of pregnant women. However, this is only one application of ultrasound technology. Another popular use of it is for occupational and physical therapy. This is different than regular medical ultrasounds used to examine patients. Therapeutic ultrasound can be a very effective modality. For many years, it has been used for therapeutic purposes. It can be used to treat chronic pain, tendonitis, and other medical conditions. The ultrasound machines emit sound waves in the 0.8 to 3.0 MHz frequency range. They generate heat within the target area and accelerate the healing. This is not electrotherapy. The mechanical vibrations increase sound energy. The frequency of therapy depends on the patient’s condition.
Waves consist of the compression area oscillating with the wave itself. The heat produced by increasing molecular vibration can be used to generate heat, which can then be used to produce thermal energy. This is useful for healing injured tissue and fast healing. Because of its many health benefits, ultrasound is the most sought-after therapy. Recent surveys show that 47.9% of therapists use ultrasound to treat 75% of their patients. We will learn more about ultrasound therapy today.
It is a technology that produces high-frequency sound waves and therapeutic heat and is a method of physical therapy. The ultrasound is produced by a round-headed probe. The sound waves penetrate deep tissue and generate heat. It does stimulate targeted tissue by increasing blood circulation and removing cell wastes. Deep heat can be used to improve blood circulation, promote healing and decrease pain. This causes energy to be pushed and creates a rapid contraction called cavitation. This helps injured tissues get speedy recovery.
An ultrasound doctor or physical therapist can administer the process. The protective gel is applied to the skin directly by using ultrasound waves. The hypoallergenic gel provides a smooth surface and prevents friction. Sometimes, the process can take up to 10 minutes. The therapist gently applies the gel using the round-headed wand. The gel protects the skin from being overheated. The heat waves travel through the body and are converted into heating energy in the targeted area. The heat stimulates blood flow in the area. This increased blood circulation can theoretically speaking, help to relieve muscle spasms and pains. Ultrasound therapy can also be used to relax tight muscles and soft tissues. The gradual increase in circulation helps reduce muscle tension and muscle pain. The therapists use ultrasound to phonophoresis and add anti-inflammatory drugs. The ultrasonic sound waves penetrate the tissues below and heal inflammation.
There are many health benefits to ultrasound therapy. This therapy is more important than any other. Heat can increase blood flow, which can be used to treat injured areas. Increased blood flow can reduce swelling and chronic inflammations. This process can bring many health benefits to your body. It can also heal deep-tissue areas and decrease muscle spasms. This treatment can also be used to reduce muscle tightness pain from the shoulder, back, and tendonitis. It alters cell metabolism and produces healing fluids. Accidental falls or fractures can cause muscle tissue damage. Deep heat can relax tissues and relieve tension, which in turn reduces pain. The sound waves cause vibration and penetrate deeper into the muscles. It causes friction to increase heat transfer. Deep heat is used to release joint tissues.
There are two types of ultrasound therapy: non-thermal and thermal. The rate at which the sound waves travel is what makes these ultrasounds different. The therapist uses a transducer head for both purposes.
1. Thermal
This term refers to deep heat that penetrates the skin and muscles and creates a vibration. The vibration heats the area, increasing blood flow. The increase in blood flow and circulation can help reduce inflammation and pain. The most effective use of thermal ultrasound therapy is to treat tissue, stretch pain and fractures, as well as musculoskeletal problems. The heat can also be used to relax muscle groups loosen tight muscles and tendons. This therapy can also be used to treat advanced conditions like prostate cancer.
2. Cavitation ultrasound therapy
Waves put pressure on tissues, creating bubbles. These bubbles then interact with objects, creating shockwaves. This shock wave can be used to transfer heat or break down objects such as kidney stones.
It can be done safely and painlessly by anyone who is under the care of a licensed physical therapist or doctor. Patients may feel a slight tingling sensation around the treatment area, but this usually disappears quickly. Therapeutic ultrasound should only be administered by licensed professionals. If you experience discomfort, please notify your therapist immediately. There are some situations where ultrasound cannot be used. If the patient experiences any of these conditions, the doctor should be notified. There are many configurations. Professionals should only use certain devices. Before applying this therapy, professionals should be aware of all contraindications and precautions. High-quality FDA-approved equipment should be used by therapists for ultrasounds. The therapist should focus on pressure and area. Rapid pressure changes during cavitation can cause damage to cellular activity. You could end up applying heat to the same spot for too long.
Ultrasound therapy is used to treat almost all physical conditions. It can be helpful and effective for sports injuries, tendonitis and lower back pain, frozen shoulders, and other ligaments or tendon injuries. It has been used to break down calcified stones. It can also be used to increase blood flow, burn cell waste, increase circulation, and increase motion. Tendonitis can be treated with ultrasound therapy. The following medical conditions may also be treated.
Muscle sprain: This therapy can reduce muscle sprain and relax muscles.
Osteoarthritis: The deep heat of ultrasound responds well with some chronic issues such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and others.
Fracture: Low-intensity ultrasound can heal bone fractures or certain types of stress fractures.
Calcified stone: Nowadays, doctors treat calcified stones by applying ultrasound therapy. This technology is used to remove gallbladder stones and kidney stones.
The therapist usually takes between 6 and 12 sessions of ultrasound therapy, each lasting approximately 5-10 minutes. It is recommended that the sessions be performed twice per week. The therapist will first examine you and then make a recommendation for how many sessions are needed. Multiple sessions are required for chronic conditions.
Ultrasound Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for certain conditions. This is the best option for patients who are not able to receive standard treatment. This therapy session is quick and painless and also very cost-effective. This is why this module is so popular. It has many health benefits. This therapy can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. This therapy promotes healing, eliminates fluids, and reduces inflammation. It can be used to treat muscles, joints, and ligaments. It may not be appropriate in all cases, as we’ve already discussed. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before you undergo ultrasound therapy. Also, make sure to choose a licensed professional therapist.