Ultrasound machine located at Vancity Physio, a physiotherapy and sports medicine clinic located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ultrasound Therapy Vancouver

Clinical Physiotherapy - In Person Sessions

WHAT IS ULTRASOUND THERAPY?

Therapeutic ultrasounds have been used by physiotherapists since the 1940s. They use electrical energy to help improve tissue healing, blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown by heating or stimulating affected areas. It is an effective process that provides deep-heating effects to different soft-tissue parts of the body such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In addition, deep heating can increase the flexibility of tight tendons and muscles which will improve the tissues’ range of motion.

IS ULTRASOUND THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Therapeutic ultrasounds are great for people experiencing shoulder pain, range of motion issues, tendonitis, or ongoing pain. Ultrasounds should not be used for local malignancies, over metal implants, near local acute infections, vascular abnormalities, or on a pregnant woman’s stomach.

Here are some of the benefits of ultrasound therapy:

• Reduced swelling and inflammation

• Improved tissue healing

• Increased blood flow to affected areas

Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic Ultrasound Therapy

HOW IT WORKS

Ultrasounds can be both thermal and non-thermal, and work by creating a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals in the probe’s head. As ultrasound waves pass through the skin, the vibration causes deep heating locally within the patient. Think of it like a heating pad that you’d place on sore muscles. You will not feel any heat sensation unless you are receiving a thermal dose, in which case you may feel a slight warming sensation. Thermal and non-thermal methods may be used interchangeably depending on the physiotherapist’s recommendations.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your physiotherapist will start by conducting a physical exam and review any medical history or relevant documents. Once an assessment is made for your condition, recommendations for treatments will follow. During your ultrasound treatment, the transducer will be covered in gel and slowly moved in a circular direction on the injured area. Wave and intensity settings will be determined by your physiotherapist prior to treatment.

HOW TO PREPARE

Whenever starting a new physiotherapy program, bring a list of any medications to your first appointment, along with any relevant X-rays and MRIs. If you’re experiencing pain symptoms beforehand, make a note of them and be sure to tell your therapist ahead of time. If you are involved in an accident claim with ICBC, be sure to get treatment approval before your sessions begin.

POST-SESSION

You should feel some mild improvement in symptoms and reduction of pain within 24-48 hours.

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FEES

To book, please select Clinical Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your session. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.

Vancity Physio has played a pivotal role in my journey to healing my back after a car accident in 2017. Their positive attitude and ability to build instant rapport with each of his clients constantly amazes me.

Their dedication to solving the mystery behind my injury and constant support in advocating for my health has been a necessary component to the success I've had treating this injury.

I trust Vancity Physio fully with this injury and I will undoubtedly be visiting any time I need to see a physiotherapist in the future. Do yourself a favour and book in now!

— Gabrielle D.
1 / 3

I recently suffered an injury from playing sports. I had a lot of trouble walking without pain but working with Vancity Physio helped me quickly return to what I love doing most. Injuries don't just affect a person physically, but can take an emotional toll. Having a physio who is knowledgeable in their practice, patient with explaining my condition and being personable to work made all the difference in my full recovery.

— Fiona Chiu
2 / 3

I wanted to take a moment to write you a note of gratitude for your time and efforts during my recovery. Your attitude, depth of knowledge, and commitment really helped me through one of the roughest times in my life.

— M. Goddard
3 / 3

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