Understanding the Usage of Ultrasound in Physiotherapy Treatment

Ultrasound in physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy treatment that uses sound waves to create deep heat in the body’s soft tissues. The therapeutic ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the tissue, causing vibration and increasing blood flow to the area. This helps reduce swelling, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Ultrasound therapy works by stimulating the tissues in the body with sound waves. The sound waves cause vibrations in the tissue, which helps promote healing. These vibrations help increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Ultrasound therapy is typically used to treat muscle pain, tendonitis, joint pain, and other conditions related to soft’ tissue injury.

Usage of Ultrasound in Physiotherapy

Enhance recovery process

The purpose of ultrasound in physiotherapy is to improve the recovery process for patients. Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave that increases blood circulation and associated nutrients to the injured area when applied to soft tissue. This increased flow facilitates healing by providing essential nutrients to damaged cells and muscles while helping remove waste products from the affected muscles and tissue. 

Works to reduce pain

Ultrasound therapy has been used in physical therapy for decades, initially as an effective measure for improving circulation and reducing pain. It is also used to reduce swelling, promote healing, reduce stiffness, break down scar tissue, increase range of motion, and relax muscle spasms.

Joint mobilization and manipulation of soft tissues

Ultrasound can help with joint mobilization and manipulation of soft tissues. When used properly, ultrasound can provide a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions such as strains and sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, neck and back pain, chronic pain conditions, joint pain and other injuries. In addition to relieving the symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries, ultrasound can increase the strength of the affected muscles or joints.

Increased blood circulation in the treatment area

The primary benefit of ultrasound therapy lies in its ability to increase circulation to the treated area. It does this by increasing the temperature of the tissue. And this allows deeper penetration of sound waves into the muscle and tissue layers. The sound waves help break down adhesions or scar tissue that can build up after an injury or surgery. As well as helping reduce swelling and improve healing times by increasing the rate at which oxygen is delivered to the injured area.

Muscle Relaxation

Just as physiotherapy help in muslce relaxation, ultrasound also helps relax contracted muscles and loosen stiff joints, enabling a greater range of movement. Additionally, it can relieve muscle spasms and trigger points by breaking down tight knots of muscle fibres which cause pain when compressed.

Combining with other treatments

Ultrasound works best with other physiotherapy treatments such as massage, hydrotherapy, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises and postural retraining programs. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies depending on the type of injury or condition being treated. It is important to note that ultrasound should never be used on any area of skin which has had recent surgery or a skin infection, as it may cause further damage.

Getting started with the ultrasound treatment

Ultrasound is typically applied for approximately 10 minutes per treatment session. Long-term treatment plans may include multiple treatments per week for several weeks or months, depending on the condition. 

Treatment intensity may vary from low-level pulsed ultrasound (LLUS) to high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). LLUS uses lower intensities and shorter treatment times than HIFU, which can provide more focused treatment times. 

When utilizing ultrasound in physiotherapy treatment, it is important to understand the therapeutic effects expected from the different types of applicators available. 

A linear transducer produces a broad acoustic energy beam that treats larger body areas in one sitting. A curvilinear transducer is great for treating deeper structures such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments as it produces a smaller and more focused beam. 

Other types of applicators, such as sector scanners, are used for the targeted treatment of specific structures with greater precision. When using ultrasound in physiotherapy treatments, there are risks involved when it is improperly applied or not monitored properly. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using ultrasound equipment and always to use proper techniques when applying ultrasound therapy. 

Possible risks include thermal damage to tissues if excessive temperatures are reached during treatment or if treatment time exceeds recommended protocols. Additionally, improper technique can lead to other undesirable effects, such as soreness or bruising following therapy sessions.

Book your appointment at treatment at Vista Physiotherapy in Calgary

Vista Physiotherapy offers ultrasound therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation and to promote the healing of damaged tissues. Their highly experienced therapists are trained in ultrasound and understand how to utilize it best to maximize therapeutic results. They also have access to the latest ultrasound technology, allowing them to provide the most effective treatments possible.
Click here to book your appointment online or call us on 4033005555