If you have been treated by a physiotherapist or chiropractor, you may have received ultrasound treatment. This general method is used in the initial stages of treating sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, accident injuries, or pain from arthritis and other joint conditions. It can be used for both joint and muscle pain. Its effectiveness may vary from patient to patient.
The device for ultrasound therapy consists of a console where you can adjust the intensity of treatment, and a probe through which ultrasound is transmitted. A special gel is provided in the attachment of the machine, which is rubbed into the upper part of the skin to allow the passage of sound waves. The machine produces high-frequency sound waves (too high for the human ear, so we can't hear them), which are transmitted to the human body through a probe. Sound waves penetrate deep into tissues and muscles and create a sensation of tingling or gentle warmth. The doctor can combinewith gel anti-inflammatory drugs. The sound waves promote the penetration of drugs into tissues, which also reduces pain and inflammation.
The sound waves generated by the ultrasound machine cause the tissues to vibrate, which creates a feeling of warmth. Heat, in turn, stimulates the expansion of blood vessels, which promotes the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the area. Increasing blood flow also helps remove waste products from cells. Ultrasound therapy is certainly not a panacea for all chronic pain conditions, but it can help reduce pain if you have:
- arthrosis;
- myofascial pain;
- pain caused by scar tissue;
- phantom pains;
- stretching.
In addition, ultrasound is also used in cosmetology. It helps get rid of:
- acne;
- freckles;
- excess fat;
- fine wrinkles.
Also improves overall skin condition.
There are two main types of therapeutic ultrasound: thermal and mechanical. They differ in the speed with which the signal passes through the tissue:
- thermal ultrasound therapy uses continuous transmission of sound waves that cause molecules in deep tissues to vibrate, creating a sensation of warmth. The thermal effect in the treatment of soft tissues increases their metabolism;
- mechanical ultrasound therapy uses ultrasonic pulses. Although a slight sensation of warmth andappears, but also causes expansion and contraction of small gas bubbles in soft tissues. This reduces the inflammatory response, tissue swelling and pain. Such therapy is considered safe if it is licensed and if the therapist keeps the transducer head in constant motion.
Ultrasound therapy: contraindications
It should not be used on the following parts of the body:
- in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back of women who are pregnant or menstruating;
- major skin injury or fracture healing;
- around the eyes, chest or genitals;
- in areas with implants;
- next to malignant tumors;
- in areas with poor sensation or blood flow.
In addition, ultrasound therapy is contraindicated for people with pacemakers, diseases of the cardiovascular system, acute infections, pregnancy, severe CNS lesions, tuberculosis, bleeding.
If you still don't feel better after a few sessions, ask your doctor for a different treatment.
