What is ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound therapies use high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create vibrations targeting injured areas of your body. The vibrations heat up the tissues inside your body all the way down to the bone, to heat and heal the tissue
How does it work?
First, we apply a gel is to help the glide of the head of the ultrasound on your skin. Once it is active, the tool moves in gentle circle motions starting the “heating effect” on your internal tissue, at which point you might feel a gentle warmth. Generally treatments are around 7-10 minutes – number of treatments will vary depending on the type of injury and the severity
Are there any risks?
If not being applied in circular motions the ultrasound sends too many soundwaves to the same spot, which then produces more vibrations which can lead to a burning pain sensation.
What are the benefits?
If done properly ultrasound therapy is used to heal injured body tissue with reduced rates of scar tissue and/or remove scar tissue. This restores elasticity to the fibres of your body; scar tissue is stiff and tough and can be a cause of decreased mobility. Ultrasound therapy increases the blood flow to the injured areas of your body which encourages the healing process by relaxing and breaking down scar tissue.
What kind of injuries does Ultrasound therapy treat?
Ultrasound may be helpful to you if you have any of these sore spots and injuries – though it is not a complete list! Your physiotherapist will be able to tell you if ultrasound therapies may be an option to you.
- Tendonitis
- Joint Swelling
- Muscle Spasms
- Bursitis
- Muscle strains and tears
- Frozen shoulder
- Sprains and other ligament injuries
- Joint pain