Ultrasound therapy is an effective way to treat many painful conditions as well as to promote tissue healing. Some of the most common conditions that seem to respond well to ultrasound include tendonitis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sprains and strains. And while ultrasound therapy was once reserved for pro athletes and the wealthy, today it is accessible to almost anyone.
Ultrasound therapy works by sound waves generated through a transducer head penetrating soft tissues. There are two types of ultrasound therapies, thermal and mechanical. The only difference between the two types is the rate at which the sound waves penetrate the soft tissue. Thermal ultrasound therapy uses a steady transmission of sound waves that cause microscopic vibrations in the tissue. This produces a warming effect that allows the soft tissues to heal by causing the cells of those tissues to speed up their metabolism. Thermal ultrasound is most commonly used for myofascil pain or sprains or strains that won’t seem to heal.
Mechanical ultrasound uses pulsing sound waves to penetrate tissue. This causes the expansion and contraction of tiny gas bubbles in the soft tissue. It is believed that this reduces inflammation and swelling which leads to a reduction in pain. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, any type of swelling, or issues with scar tissue you will most likely have mechanical ultrasound therapy.
There are many advantages to ultrasound therapy. It is safe and virtually painless. The only discomfort may arise from the transducer head moving over an injury or tender spot on the skin. In treating conditions such as myofascial pain, ultrasound therapy can be an alternative to other treatment methods such as trigger point injections and pain medications.
Another advantage is that ultrasound therapy can be used at home. There are many portable ultrasound machines that can provide pain relief therapy in the privacy of your own home. There are also low frequency ultrasound devices that can be worn, allowing for more independence while still providing therapy. By using an ultrasound medical device at home, users can experience immediate pain relief without having to go to a physical therapist’s office for an ultrasound therapy session. This saves both time and money.
Like all pain relief treatments, ultrasound is not for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with pacemakers, those with circulatory problems, an active infection, or sensitivity to pain should not use ultrasound therapy.