Therapeutic Ultrasound

**AVAILABLE MAY 2023***

What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Therapeutic Ultrasound is one of the most widely used passive modalities for the treatment of soft tissue injuries, joint dysfunction and pain.

• In North America it has been used for over 40 years.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to penetrate the body eliciting therapeutic benefit in specific target tissues.

• These ultrasound waves are produced in the transducer head of the ultrasound machine where electrical energy is transmitted to a special quartz or synthetic crystal. When stimulated by the electricity the crystal vibrates at an extremely high frequency, which are called “ultrasonic vibrations.” These ultrasonic vibrations emit ultrasound waves from the transducer head that are transmitted into the body via coupling media (ultrasound gel).

Types of Therapeutic Ultrasound: 

There are two main categories of ultrasound therapy. Both of them use sound waves that penetrate through the skin to soft tissues beneath.

The first, THERMAL ULTRASOUND, supplies a continuous delivery of soundwaves. This is usually used for chronic pain/chronic injuries, scar tissue etc. 

Here are some examples of thermal effects of ultrasound:

Increase joint range of motion
Increase extensibility of collagen tissue
Decrease muscle spasm
Decrease pain
Decrease adhesions (aka knots)
Increase tissue healing and repair

NON-THERMAL “MECHANICAL” ULTRASOUND is the second, and works by supplying pulses of sound waves. This type is used more often for shorter term conditions, such as acute injuries, sprains, strains, swelling, hematomas etc.

Some examples of non-thermal ultrasound include:

Decrease pain
Decrease muscle spasm
Decrease edema
Increase tissue regeneration and repair              Bone repair

How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work?

Ultrasound therapy works by using an applicator similar to a wand with a head that resembles a microphone or wand. This is called a transducer head. The trained therapist will apply gel to the area of the body that will receive treatment. The gel helps to conduct sound waves evenly. The therapist then moves the wand in small circles/lines around the target area. Each treatment usually lasts from 8 to ten minutes.

Ultrasound therapy should never be painful, but you may feel a slight discomfort in an area of injury. Sound waves will cause a vibration in the treated area. Some people do notice some tingling or warmth, but most people feel no sensation at all.

During ultrasound therapy, a condition called hyperemia occurs (increased blood flow to the area).  This helps to decrease inflammation and aids in healing. Another common effect from ultrasound therapy stems from the vibration of tissue that occurs during treatment. This vibration appears to help the repair of cells in areas of inflammation.

What Does Ultrasound Therapy Treat?

Ultrasound therapy is very helpful in treating back and neck issues, including whiplash, muscle strains, back pain, and also can be effective in treating arthritis. In addition to the other benefits, it can reduce the muscle soreness that sometimes occurs while working to increase mobility and range of motion. The deep reaching heat of the ultrasound therapy encourages the body’s natural healing abilities and helps to increase circulation and decrease stiffness.

Ultrasound therapy assists in the break-down of scar tissue, stimulating localized blood flow, and promoting the relaxation of tissue. This is important, because increasing localized blood flow can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the targeted area. Some studies also indicate that ultrasound therapy can help promote healing in bone fractures.

The following are just some of the conditions that ultrasonography may be able to improve:

Sprain and strains
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendinitis

Osteoarthritis
Tendonitis
Myofascial pain
Phantom limb pain
Pain caused by scar tissue

Ultimately, ultrasound therapy can be successful for many different conditions. The treatment acts almost like a massage that aids in the reduction of swelling and increase of blood flow. It also helps to decrease pain, stiffness, and spasms. Whether the pain or injury comes from an event like a car accident or if it something more chronic and long lasting, ultrasound therapy can be an excellent alternative to other common treatment methods.

References
Dyson, M. “Mechanisms involved in Therapeutic Ultrasound” Physiotherapy Vol. 73, pp. 116-119, March 1087
Excel, Ultra Max Manual
Hartley, Anne. Therapeutic Ultrasound, Ontario Inc. 1987
Hoogland, R. Ultrasound Therapy (2nd Edition) The Netherlands:B.V. Enraf
Hooper, P. Physical Modalities, A Primer for Chiropractic. Williams and Wilkin 1996
Lehmann, J.F. Ultrasound Therapy, 4th Ed. E.Licht, 1990
Nyborg, W.N. and Ziskin, M.C., Clinics in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Vol. 16, New York:Churchhill Livingstone, 1985
Oakley, E.M., “Dangers and Contraindications of Therapeutic Ultrasound”, Physio therapy, vol. 64, P.174
Reid, D.C., “Possible Contraindications and Precautions Associated with Ultrasound Therapy”, In: A. Mortimer,N.Lee (eds), Proceedings of International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Winnipeg, 1981 14