Ultrasound treatments have numerous uses in physical therapy, from decreasing internal scar tissue to increasing blood flow to a targeted area. Continuous ultrasound has a thermal effect on bruised, spasmed or strained tissues—it delivers heat in a remarkable way—while noncontinuous, or pulsed, ultrasound works more on the cellular level, helping to promote the flow of the cells’ waste materials and increase their nourishment.
Ultrasound utilizes sound waves, but those waves are in a range that is inaudible to humans. In continuous ultrasound, the waves are targeted to well-defined areas that are identified one to two inches beneath the skin, areas that traditional heat treatments, such as a heating pad, cannot reach. Because the sound waves promote better blood circulation in the area, healing is accelerated. We often use ultrasound to help make other portions of our treatment more effective.
We can adjust various parameters of the treatment (including intensity and wavelength/frequency) to achieve the best results for your particular situation. Ultrasound therapy should feel warm, but never hot, uncomfortable or burning. Our therapists have specialized training in ultrasound to ensure your comfort and safety, above all.
Specific uses of ultrasound therapy may include:
- relieving the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome
- helping to heal calcific tendinitis in the shoulder
- promoting the flexibility and extensibility of “stiff” muscles before manually stretching them
- increasing range of motion in joints affected by illness or injury
- healing certain types of ulcers, bone fractures and surgery incision sites
We would be happy to provide additional information about how ultrasound might help you.
March PTEDigest Includes:
Stiff Back: Not a Good Way to Start the Day
Taking an Arch Look at Foot Pain
The Light at the End of the Carpal Tunnel
“As Seen on TV” Might Not Work for You
Ultrasound: You’ll Like What You Hear
