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UltrasoundUltrasound is a type of mechanical energy that has been used for many years to treat chronic pain and improve the healing process. There are several specific ways a physical therapist can use ultrasound therapy to treat injuries and reduce pain. How Ultrasound Technology WorksUltrasound therapy is the use of sound waves to treat a variety of muscle, bone, and ligament conditions. The sound waves cause vibrations which generate heat. When tissues in the body are vibrating, the friction produced occurs at the molecular level. This ultimately causes the temperature in the tissues to rise. This is one of the many advantages ultrasound application provides. It can penetrate deep into the tissues in ways that a hot pack can’t. During physical therapy, gel is used on the surface of the applicator to minimize friction as well as to promote the transmission of the ultrasound waves. The waves are then absorbed by your tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. What Ultrasound Therapy Does in the BodyThere are generally two ways ultrasound can work in your body to heal and repair tissues during physical therapy services. The first is that it provides thermal energy or heat. The second is the non-thermal benefits. Thermal – When using ultrasound, heat enters the tissues at a deep level. This can increase circulation while reducing pain. Heat can also enable muscles to more easily stretch. Thermal energy produced by ultrasound during physical therapy can, therefore, loosen tight muscles and tendons. Non-Thermal – Ultrasound also works in specific ways that are unrelated to the transfer of heat. When energy enters the body through ultrasound it creates tiny gas bubbles that gather around the tissues. These bubbles contract and expand at a rapid pace. This is called cavitation. Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy
Conditions Treated with UltrasoundWhile increased blood flow, reduced swelling and inflammation, and tissue healing are general benefits of ultrasound, there are several specific conditions these processes can help heal. The following are a few of the physical conditions that can be treated.
These are just a few of the many conditions that can be treated with ultrasound physical therapy. Other conditions and diseases that may be improved or healed include whiplash, phantom limb pain, and dental pain. The goal of the physical therapist is to alleviate your symptoms and promote healing. This will ultimately improve flexibility and range of motion. It will also help reduce or eliminate any pain associated with your injury or ailment. Contact us today at Healing Hands for more information regarding how ultrasound therapy can treat your condition. Healing Hands Physical Therapy 734-222-8515 58 Parkland Plaza Ste.100 Ann Arbor MI 48103 |