What is Ultrasound Therapy?

 Ultrasound is a physical therapy treatment used for treating soft tissue injuries.  Ultrasound uses in audible sound waves to penetrate deep into tissue to promote healing.  These sound waves cause molecules to vibrate at a cellular level producing mechanical energy and heat.  This deep heating of tissue promotes healing in structures like muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, etc. 

 What is Ultrasound used for?

 The effects of ultrasound have been found beneficial in treating musculoskeletal injuries, and breaking down scar tissue.  It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects; therefore it can be used to treat pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.  Here is a list of common conditions treated with Ultrasound:

Tendonitis: often people get “tennis elbow” but this can occur throughout the body.

Muscle spasm:  The deep penetrating effects and heating of tissues helps break up muscle spasms caused by stress or injury.

Bursitis:  This type of inflammation often occurs in shoulders, but can also happen in many other parts of the body.

Neuritis:  This is an inflammation of nerves.  A common example is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  In this case you have an inflamed nerve and nerve impingement happening at the same time. 

Herniated discs:  While the disc itself is not treated by Ultrasound the painful and spasmed muscles surrounding the spine can benefit greatly.

Sprains:  Ankle sprains, wrist sprains, knees, hips, etc are all treated with ultrasound.  Anywhere there is a joint that has had ligament damage, ultrasound can be used to promote healing and decrease pain.

Frozen Shoulder:  Also called adhesive capsulitis, causes the shoulder to become immobile and very painful if not treated.

 What does Ultrasound Therapy feel like?

 When performing ultrasound, the Doctor will put a small amount of gel called coupling medium.  This helps the sound waves move from the transducer (sound head) to the tissues.  Patients usually describe the experience as feeling very little, or getting a slight warming and relaxing feeling. 

Can ultrasound be used on anyone?

 No, pregnant woman should not receive ultrasound near the fetus.  Therapeutic Ultrasound (what we use) is stronger than the diagnostic ultrasound used to see the baby in the womb.  Young children also should not have ultrasound done to them near their growth plates.  Children are still growing so it’s best not to do anything that could damage those growth centers.  Also patients with conditions like diabetic neuropathy should not use ultrasound on those areas.