What is Ultrasound Therapy?
Ultrasound therapy involves the process of using high frequency radio waves to help treat an injury to the soft tissues. Ultrasound waves are created when the metal head on the ultrasound tool vibrates to guide these ultrasonic waves into the soft tissue. It is important to understand that these ultrasound waves aren’t transmitted into the soft tissues as effectively when the metal head of the ultrasound tool comes into contact with air, which is why a gel is applied when using the ultrasound treatment modality. Ultrasound therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments used to help in the rehabilitation process of injured soft tissues, although there is not much evidence out there that shows a direct correlation of its effectiveness in the healing process.
Ultrasound Therapy Benefits
- Reduces Swelling
- Decreases healing time for soft tissue injuries
- Stimulates production of collagen
- Minimizes muscle spasms
How do you apply Ultrasound?
- Gel application is applied to skin to help absorb heat from ultrasonic beam
- Small metal head is then applied that transmits ultrasonic beam
- Metal head is continuously moved over skin for at least 5 minutes
- Application should not be applied more than 1-2 times a day
- Low Frequency dose is used to penetrate deeper injuries
- High Frequency dose is used to penetrate damage closer to the skin surface
Don’t Use Ultrasound if...
- If you have an existing infection
- If you may have a bone fracture
- If pregnant
- In or around your reproductive organs
- If you have cancer
- If you have exposed tissue