What is therapeutic ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound provides deep heating to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments.It is a tool used by physical or occupational therapists in two ways:

  • Deep heating: In these methods, the soft tissues are exposed to heat, which leads to increased blood flow to the tissues and pain relief.
  • Non-thermal effects (cavitation): Your practitioner might use ultrasound energy to cause rapid contraction and the development of microscopic gas bubbles around injured tissue to speed healing.

Who needs therapeutic ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is usually a good option for treating chronic pain. If you have the following problems, you can consider therapeutic ultrasound as a non-invasive option:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Shoulder pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Ligament injuries
  • Joint tightness
Therapeutic Ultrasound in Las Vegas

What to expect

The method of performing therapeutic ultrasound is similar to diagnostic ultrasound. First, some gel is applied to the part of the area being treated. The transducer is then placed on the skin and moved slowly. Depending on the condition and disease, the penetration depth of ultrasound waves is determined. Your therapist can combine the ultrasound gel with topical medications to reduce inflammation around the soft tissues. This is called phonophoresis.

Each treatment session is usually between 5 and 10 minutes. During the ultrasound, you will only feel warmth and tingling. But if the transducer head is not moved in a circle direction, you will feel pain. If so, tell your physical therapist right away.

 

Types of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Thermal ultrasound and mechanical ultrasound are the two forms of therapeutic ultrasound. The wand in thermal ultrasonography causes the skin and muscles to vibrate and heat up. Stretch discomfort, soft tissue pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders are treated using thermal ultrasound treatment. It is also sometimes used to treat more advanced conditions such as uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, and skin disorders.

Mechanical ultrasound, also known as cavitation ultrasound treatment, uses ultrasonic waves to induce pressure differences in tissue fluids, resulting in the formation of bubbles. When these bubbles collide with solid things, they explode, causing shockwaves. These shockwaves can be used to break down kidney stones and make them easier to remove.

 

Uses of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Ultrasound is an excellent treatment for muscle, joint, and ligament swelling. Ultrasound can be used to treat a variety of health issues. However, it is most typically utilized to treat muscular tissue disorders. The heating impact of ultrasound aids in the healing of muscular soreness and the reduction of chronic inflammation. ‌

Ultrasound also improves the flow of tissue fluids, allowing more lymph to travel through the tissues. Lymph is a fluid that moves white blood cells throughout the body. In this approach, ultrasound aids damaged cells in fighting infections and healing faster.

 

Ultrasound Therapy Settings

The therapist can manipulate the ultrasound unit’s settings to alter the ultrasonic wave’s penetration depth or intensity. Furthermore, they may employ different settings at different phases of recovery.

 

Ultrasound and Medication

To treat inflammation around the soft tissue in the body, your PT may use ultrasound gel and topical medication. The process is known as phonophoresis.

The use of ultrasound waves is believed to be effective at delivering medicated gel to injured tissues, but most published studies suggest it may not be.

 

Does therapeutic ultrasound have any side effects?

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved therapeutic ultrasounds if performed by a licensed professional. Changes in pressure during cavitation can lead to damage to cellular activity. But fortunately, it rarely happens. Remember that therapeutic ultrasound should not be performed around open wounds and pacemaker areas. In addition, therapeutic ultrasound can not be used in the following cases:

  • Pregnancy
  • Areas around metastatic lesions
  • Around the breasts, eyes and genitals
  • Around broken bones
  • In areas where there is an acute infection
  • Near implanted electrical stimulation device
  • In areas of decreased sensation

 

Therapeutic ultrasound in Las Vegas

Fortunately, at the Health & Care Professional Network Center, experienced staff can provide safe treatment, taking into account your conditions. Our therapist will help you get the right rehabilitation program in your home based on your needs. Contact us if you need more about our services.

You can get information about other Home Health services

FAQs

Why should I get a therapeutic ultrasound?

The physical therapist might suggest it to decrease pain and increase blood circulation. 

Is there pain with the ultrasound therapy?

No, there is no pain with it, and it reduces pain in the parts of the body. 

Who should get the therapeutic ultrasound?

It can be helpful for people with chronic pain. 

Is therapeutic ultrasound safe to do on my body?

Yes, it is completely safe and has no harm.

2 Comments

  1. Kelly says:

    I’m feeling better since the skilled nurse paying a visit to my house and use the therapeutic ultrasound, thanks, guys.

  2. Ali L says:

    I didn’t know ultrasound is used for shoulder pain too. I’m eager to see your physicians provide this service ASAP.

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