What Can We Expect In Ultrasound Therapy?

: Admin : 2021-12-08

Ultrasound therapy has been used to treat a number of disorders as a non-invasive procedure for many years. It's frequently used to relieve swelling, especially when it's spread out across a bigger area than typical. It can also be used for phonophoresis, which is when the medicine is delivered through the skin rather than through injection. This makes ultrasound therapy acceptable for patients who are unable to use traditional procedures, such as those who have a fear of needles or those who are haemophiliacs.

What is ultrasound therapy, exactly?

Because the technology is virtually the same, the simplest approach to convey ultrasound therapy is to think of ultrasounds given to pregnant women. Small, handheld probes are applied to the problem area, along with a gel or cream that may or may not be treated, depending on the ailment. Vibrations from the probe travel through the skin and into the body. These waves force the underlying tissue to vibrate, which has a number of advantages that we shall discuss further below.

Ultrasound therapy sessions will usually last no more than 5 minutes. Applying the gel or lotion and then rubbing the probe about the afflicted area is all that is required.

What are the types of Ultrasound therapy?

It is usually divided into two types:

1. Thermo-ultrasound treatment

This treatment entails the continual transmission of sound waves, which cause tiny vibrations in deep tissue molecules. The heat and friction in the molecules are increased as a result of these vibrations. As a result of the heating action, the metabolism of tissue cells accelerates, resulting in soft tissue repair.

The local temperature rise could be exploited to speed up the healing process. It is commonly used to treat Myofascial discomfort, muscular strains and sprains, scars, and adhesions.

2. Ultrasound therapy with mechanical vibrations

This therapy uses a single sound wave vibration to enter the tissue. It causes the tiny gas bubbles in the soft tissues to expand and contract, which helps to reduce inflammation, tissue swelling, and discomfort in the tissue.

It's typically used if you're suffering from pain and swelling, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What are the Advantages of Ultrasound Therapy?

• Ultrasound therapy is helpful for a wide range of disorders since the waves delivered through the body have various widely applicable benefits.
• Ultrasound therapy breaks down scar tissue and enhances local blood flow in addition to heating and relaxing the muscles.
• All of this works together to boost healing rates in the area, making it a good approach to speed up slow-healing or chronic problems.
• We now believe it can also aid in the mending of broken bones.
• It has lately been used to relieve pain associated with osteoporosis and arthritis.

What Is Its Purpose?

Ultrasound's benefits are so broad that it can be utilised to treat a wide range of problems.

• It is, however, usually reserved for swelling muscular problems, especially when time is a role in the recuperation.
• The heating and relaxing effects help to relieve muscle pain, and the enhanced flow to the affected area means that more lymph is able to move through.
• Lymph is a transparent fluid that distributes white blood cells throughout our bodies, fighting illness, promoting healing, and removing waste.

These three qualities, when combined, make it a highly efficient treatment for oedema and inflammation of the muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Tendonitis, non-acute joint swelling, and chronic inflammation are among the most prevalent conditions addressed.

What can we expect in Ultrasound Therapy?

• Your physical therapist will apply conductive gel to the body portion that is being studied.
• The transducer head will be slowly moved back and forth on the skin of the body portion in focus.
• Your PT may change the depth of penetration of the waves based on your specific situation.
• The therapy usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes and is only done once a day.

What Are The Consequences?

Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive, low-risk method. However, there are situations when it is inappropriate to utilise. Despite its resemblance to ultrasound equipment, ultrasound therapy is not appropriate for conditions occurring near a pregnant woman's womb. Because the wavelengths utilised in this therapy differ from those used in a prenatal ultrasound, the pregnancy may be jeopardised. Regardless of whether or not a woman is pregnant, the therapy can still be utilised on other portions of the body.

Who are not the candidates for ultrasound therapy?

People with malignant growths or cardiovascular concerns may not be candidates for ultrasound therapy. However, this can vary depending on the location of the therapy on the body. Anywhere on the head or testicles, as well as above any metal implants, ultrasound therapy is entirely unsuitable. It's best to avoid applying it to the spine and children's growth plates because it can have unforeseen repercussions.