Initially, when one first thinks of an ultrasound imagery is that of an expectant mother’s first glimpses of her unborn child. Most likely if you bring up the word ultrasound to one of our skilled physiotherapists at VanCity Physio, their first thought when the work ultrasound would be that of a therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound usage for therapeutic benefits used daily in our clinic, this is not a new method as this was first introduced to the clinical setting of physiotherapy back in the 1950s. Although this practice was introduced many years ago, it has evolved into a modern and commonly used technique.
So, what is therapeutic ultrasound? —Simply said, it is the use of ultrasound waves to penetrate the skin which in turn gently vibrate and heat the tissues. These waves are beyond our range of hearing and even though it causes deep heating of the tissues, the heat emitted cannot be felt by the recipient. It’s extremely safe when done by a trained physiotherapist, there are a few contraindications such as a patient with cancer, children or women who are pregnant (this is not to be confused with ultrasound imaging as it is a different frequency than therapeutic ultrasound as therapeutic ultrasound is usually between 0.8MHz and 3.0MHz whereas ultrasound imaging will typically range from 2-18MHz).
When therapeutic ultrasound is used during an appointment, a small amount of gel will be applied to the area that is being treated, the head of the machine is then placed into the gel and the head will slowly be moved circles in the area of concern. The ultrasound machine will be set at the correct setting by the physiotherapist to the right level of intensity and depth of sound waves. The sound waves will then cause expansion and contraction of microscopic gas bubbles close to the soft tissues which helps speed up cellular processes—and in turn healing. This can also help to give deep heating to the area, reduction in pain and breakdown of scar tissue This will typically last 3-5 minutes but can vary in the size of area being treated.
What injuries respond to therapeutic ultrasound?
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Frozen shoulder
- Joint pain
- Knee pain
- Tendonitis
- Muscle strains
- Ligament injuries
Book in today, your injury may benefit from use of our therapeutic ultrasound! We see the positive results for the body’s healing every day! The sooner you come in, the sooner we can get you back to being you!
Book a consultation today: https://vancityphysio.janeapp.com/
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