Ultrasound therapy is a treatment that uses sound waves to provide pain relief and promote healing in the body. It has become a popular therapeutic technique used by physical therapists, chiropractors, sports medicine clinics, and other healthcare providers. Let’s explore the basics of ultrasound therapy and how to find the best ultrasound therapy machines.
Ultrasound Therapy Basics
Ultrasound machines produce high-frequency sound waves, beyond the range of human hearing. The ultrasound applicator is applied to the skin and moved in small circles. This transmits the sound waves deep into the tissues. The acoustic vibrations that occur as the sound waves pass through the tissues produce several therapeutic effects.
The thermal effects of ultrasound help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease pain and muscle spasms. The non-thermal effects help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Ultrasound can reach deep structures in the body without radiation or invasive procedures. Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes. Gel is applied to the skin to help transmit sound waves.
What Ultrasound Therapy is Used For
Ultrasound therapy has many uses, including:
- Treating injuries – Ultrasound can help injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures heal more quickly by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
- Chronic pain relief – For conditions like arthritis, back pain, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia, ultrasound can provide pain relief.
- Muscle spasms and stiffness – Ultrasound helps relax muscles and decrease muscle spasms and stiffness.
- Improving physical therapy – Ultrasound is often used in combination with exercises and other physical therapy modalities.
- Wound healing – Ultrasound stimulates circulation and cell activity to promote faster healing of wounds and surgical incisions.
Risks of Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is very safe when used correctly. Potential risks include:
- Burns – If too much heat is generated or it is left in one spot too long, ultrasound can cause burns. This risk is minimized with proper technique.
- Pregnancy – Ultrasound should not be used over a developing fetus, so it is not used over the abdomen in pregnant women.
- Increased bleeding -People with bleeding disorders should use ultrasound cautiously as it may increase circulation.
- Medical devices – Ultrasound may interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices, so use near these devices should be avoided.
Advantages of Ultrasound Therapy
Key advantages of ultrasound therapy include:
- Non-invasive – No surgery, incisions or injections required.
- No major side effects – Very safe with minimal risks when properly applied.
- Cost-effective – Less expensive than many medical and surgical treatments.
- Fast treatment – Sessions only last several minutes.
- No downtime – People can return to normal activity right after.
- No radiation – Unlike x-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.
Contact a Leading Ultrasound Supplier for Ultrasound Therapy Machines and More
Ultrasound therapy provides a drug-free, non-invasive treatment option using sound waves to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and speed healing. Work with a leading ultrasound supplier to find the right ultrasound therapy machines for your clinic. Get in touch with one today to learn more and find the perfect machine.