Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy
What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
The ultrasound machine works by sending an electric current through crystals found in the ultrasound probe — also known as the ultrasound wand. The probe vibrates, causing waves to travel through the skin to the body underneath. The waves transfer energy to the tissues to cause the desired effects. Ultrasound can also be focused on tissues deep within your body without affecting other tissues close to the surface.
What can it be used to treat?
Therapeutic ultrasound is often used for treating chronic pain and promoting tissue healing. It may be recommended if you experience any of the following conditions:
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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shoulder pain, including frozen shoulder
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Relief of pain from joint contracture
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Relief of pain associated with ligament
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Sprains, tendinitis and muscle spasm (inc tennis and golfers elbow)
What is the difference between Diagnostic Ultrasound & Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound may be used to detect a variety of possible medical conditions. Your doctor might recommend this test if you’re having unusual symptoms in certain areas of the body.
Therapeutic ultrasounds are used to treat, rather than diagnose, certain medical conditions. For instance, therapeutic ultrasound is commonly used in physical therapy to heat muscles, tendons, and other tissues in the body.
What are the risks of Ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound physical therapy is low risk and complications are extremely rare. But, exposure to low-intensity ultrasound for a long time may cause superficial burns on the skin. So, medical practitioners usually ensure that the ultrasound probe is in motion when in contact with your skin or held for only short periods of time.
While therapeutic ultrasound is considered generally safe in treating certain conditions, there are some areas in which it is not recommended such as open wounds, certain area's on pregnant women and near a pacemaker.
