Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a method of treatment using mechanical energy that has been used for quite some time by physical therapists to relieve pain and promote healing. Our Bronx physical therapists are highly trained in the use of ultrasound and there are several specific ways in which this type of treatment may be used to treat your injury and reduce your pain.
Do you want to learn more about how ultrasound can provide pain relief, promote healing, and improve your ability to perform daily tasks and activities? If so, contact Pelham Physical Medicine today.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to treat a vast variety of conditions that affect the bones, muscles, and ligaments. These sound waves create vibrations that generate heat. When the tissues vibrate, friction is produced at a molecular level that causes the temperature of the tissues to rise, which relieves pain and inflammation. This is one of the greatest benefits of ultrasound therapy – it can penetrate deep into the tissues in ways that a hot pack cannot.
Ultrasound therapy is performed by placing the applicator to the affected area of the body, with gel on the surface as a way to minimize friction and promote the transmission of the ultrasound waves. The affected tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues will absorb these waves and the healing process will be facilitated.
How does ultrasound affect the body?
Ultrasound therapy has two specific ways that it heals and repairs damaged tissues – through thermal and nonthermal benefits:
- Thermal. When using ultrasound, heat enters the tissues at a deep level. This can increase circulation while reducing pain. Heat can also enable muscles to more easily stretch. Thermal energy produced by ultrasound during physical therapy can therefore loosen tight muscles and tendons.
- Non-Thermal. Ultrasound also works in specific ways that are unrelated to the transfer of heat. When energy enters the body through ultrasound it creates tiny gas bubbles that gather around the tissues. These bubbles contract and expand at a rapid pace. This is called cavitation.
Will ultrasound treat my condition?
There are a wide range of conditions that ultrasound has been known to treat. Some of the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These are chronic conditions that respond well to the deep heat provided by ultrasound.
- Muscle spasms. Heat applied at various places on or near the site can help relax the muscles and decrease spasms.
- Muscle strains and tears. The use of ultrasound therapy can reduce the amount of time sprains, strains, and tears take to heal.
- Bone fractures. Healing of bone fractures can be promoted by the use of low-intensity ultrasound. Ultrasound has also been found to be a more cost-efficient and less invasive tool for diagnosing certain types of stress fractures.
- Bursitis and tendonitis. Frozen shoulder is a form of bursitis that can be effectively treated with ultrasound therapy.
These are just a few of the conditions that can be treated with ultrasound therapy. Other conditions and diseases that may be improved or healed include whiplash, phantom limb pain, dental pain, and even certain types of cancer.
How will ultrasound therapy benefit me?
- Promote tissue healing. Ultrasound not only improves your muscles and joint range of motion, but can aid in the healing of wounded tissues. The metabolism of the cells in the tissue are affected by ultrasound. The vibration produced by the ultrasound can help prevent scar tissue from forming.
- Reduce swelling and inflammation. Ultrasound therapy has been shown to reduce stiffness in muscles and joints while increasing range of motion. Once blood flow is increased and swelling and inflammation is reduced, this will allow your muscles and joints to respond more favorably to manual stretching exercises and different types of massage.
- Increase blood flow. Just as cold decreases blood flow, heat increases it. Ultrasound therapy will cause your blood vessels to increase in size and therefore increase the blood flow. Increased blood flow means more nutrients will be delivered to the area of your injury while waste is carried away. This ultimately enhances the healing process.
Contact Pelham Physical Medicine to learn more about ultrasound therapy:
Our Bronx physical therapists have extensive knowledge and experience using ultrasound therapy to treat and relieve conditions. There are a variety of different ultrasound techniques that our team is educated on, and after a comprehensive exam, our physical therapist will determine which one is best for you. It is likely that your treatment plan will include additional pain-relief and techniques in addition to ultrasound, including targeted stretches, exercises, or massage.
At our Bronx physical therapy practice, we have one goal: to alleviate your symptoms and help you heal. By doing so, this will improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and overall mobility. Our physical therapist will also work with you to help you avoid re-injury in the future. If you are looking to regain your everyday function, contact Pelham Physical Medicine today at Bronx, NY. Ultrasound may be the answer for you!
