How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work? Our Physio Explains All. (2024)

FAQs

How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work? Our Physio Explains All.? ›

When tissue is exposed to ultrasound, the sound waves cause a micro-vibration within the tissue. This vibration creates heat energy that increases blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes an increase in oxygen and chemicals that are essential for healing of the damaged tissue.

Ultrasound is an electrotherapy that promotes healing and reduces inflammation at a cellular level. An ultrasound machine creates mechanical sound waves that produce energy, which when they enter the skin cause micro vibrations in the cells improving tissue healing and reducing pain.

Most classically, continuous therapeutic ultrasound has been used to treat various musculoskeletal pathologies like osteoarthritis, soft tissue shoulder pathology, and myofascial pain.

While applying ultrasound therapy, move the ultrasound head in a circular or linear motion, maintaining continuous contact with the skin. The size of the treatment area will determine the speed and duration of the movement. Be attentive to the patient's comfort and adjust the intensity settings if needed.

For tissues in which there is an inflammatory reaction, but in which there is no 'repair' to be achieved, the benefit of ultrasound is to promote the normal resolution of the inflammatory events, and hence resolve the 'problem' This will of course be most effectively achieved in the tissues that preferentially absorb ...

How Long Does It Take for Ultrasound Therapy to Work? Some people may experience relief right after the first session, while others may see gradual improvements over a series of treatments. The type of ailment being treated also factors into how long it takes for the therapy to work.

Ultrasound treatments increase blood flow to the area being treated, helping to reduce any inflammation. It can provide relief from chronic conditions like arthritis that lead to inflammation and pain. Managing the inflammation caused by such disorders helps to minimize symptoms like pain and limited mobility.

This energy is then transmitted to the biological tissues via a special ultrasound conductive gel. The ultrasonic wave penetrates the tissue to a maximum depth of 5 cm, depending on its emission frequency – typically 1 or 3 MHz.

Risks of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Ultrasound physical therapy has a low risk of causing complications. 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.

Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to create heat and movement in body tissue. It can treat various conditions, often in conjunction with other treatments. Ultrasound is generally safe, but there may be risks for certain people.

Can you do ultrasound therapy at home? ›

One of the main benefits of ultrasound therapy is the possibility of performing the treatment in the comfort of your home. And it's even better if the device in your hands is safe, intuitive and easy to use.

During a mechanical ultrasound, the machine delivers slight vibrations to soft tissue in the affected area, breaking down scar tissue and causing gas bubbles to form near the injury. Expansion and contraction of these bubbles may reduce injury-related swelling and inflammation, promoting soft-tissue healing.

How Does Ultrasound Work? When tissue is exposed to ultrasound, the sound waves cause a micro-vibration within the tissue. This vibration creates heat energy that increases blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes an increase in oxygen and chemicals that are essential for healing of the damaged tissue.

Ultrasound can detect cysts, tumors, obstructions or infections within or around your kidneys. Breast ultrasound: A breast ultrasound is a noninvasive test to identify breast lumps and cysts. Your provider may recommend an ultrasound after an abnormal mammogram.

Recently, some studies have focused on the therapeutic effects of ultrasound on PNI and found that low-intensity ultrasound can promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery [19,20]. There is evidence that ultrasound therapy promotes axonal growth and regeneration by affecting the signal transduction pathways.

Ultrasound treatments increase blood flow to the area being treated, helping to reduce any inflammation. It can provide relief from chronic conditions like arthritis that lead to inflammation and pain. Managing the inflammation caused by such disorders helps to minimize symptoms like pain and limited mobility.

Risks of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Therapeutic ultrasound is not used for problems near a pregnant woman's womb because it could put the pregnancy at risk. It's also generally not used over the spine, eyes, pacemakers, other implants, and areas with active infections.

How Does Ultrasound Work? When tissue is exposed to ultrasound, the sound waves cause a micro-vibration within the tissue. This vibration creates heat energy that increases blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes an increase in oxygen and chemicals that are essential for healing of the damaged tissue.

During a mechanical ultrasound, the machine delivers slight vibrations to soft tissue in the affected area, breaking down scar tissue and causing gas bubbles to form near the injury. Expansion and contraction of these bubbles may reduce injury-related swelling and inflammation, promoting soft-tissue healing.