Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy is the use of sound waves above the range of human hearing to treat soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound stimulates or provokes the tissue with sound waves to promote healing. Ultrasound therapy makes use of a mechanical vibration in the metal treatment head of the ultrasound machine. A special ultrasound gel is placed on the treatment head as the head is applied to the skin surface. This ensures good contact between the treatment head and skin providing a medium through with the sound waves can travel. Ultrasound is applied to the skin for 3-5 minutes.
Ultrasound waves cause vibration of the surrounding tissues, particularly those that contain collagen. This leads to the production of heat within the tissue and often is not felt by the patient. The increase in temperature can cause an increase in the flexibility and extensibility of soft tissue structures such as ligaments, tendons, scar tissue and fibrous joint capsules. Heating can also reduce muscle spasm. Ultrasound therapy has been suggested to stimulate the immune system to proliferate cells to the site of injury. This can increase blood flow to the site which promotes healing.
Ultrasound therapy can benefit the following conditions:
- Tendinitis
- Non-acute joint swelling
- Muscle spasm
- Non-acute
- Plantar fasciitis
- Low back pain
- Ligament sprains
- Scar tissue
- Osteoarthritis
Book with Dr. Shergill to determine if Ultrasound Therapy is right for you.
