Therapeutic ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive medical treatment primarily used in physical therapy to promote healing in soft tissues. By applying specialized vibrations to targeted areas, this treatment enhances blood flow, which is believed to expedite recovery and alleviate pain. The therapy utilizes an ultrasound machine equipped with a transducer that generates deep heating and cavitation effects, effectively warming tissues like muscles and ligaments. Patients often experience a tingling or warming sensation during treatment, but when performed correctly, the procedure is generally free from side effects. Therapeutic ultrasound can also facilitate the delivery of topical medications through the skin, offering a needle-free alternative for those who may be uncomfortable with injections.
Despite its benefits, certain precautions must be observed; therapeutic ultrasound should not be used on open wounds, areas with joint damage, or in patients with cancer. Safety is paramount, as improper application can lead to discomfort or harm. This treatment is commonly recommended for various injuries, including tendonitis and muscle spasms, making it a valuable option in rehabilitation settings.
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Therapeutic ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a medical treatment commonly used in physical therapy. It uses specialized tools to apply vibrations to soft tissue groups within the body. These vibrations can increase blood flow to the area, stimulating healing and easing pain.
When applied correctly, therapeutic ultrasounds have few side effects. The process is not invasive and should not result in pain. However, it should not be used on open wounds, in patients with joint damage, or in patients with cancer.
Overview
Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment commonly prescribed as a supplement to physical therapy. It is primarily used to create two effects: deep heating and cavitation. The ultrasound machine creates heat in areas deep within the body, such as muscles and ligaments. This increases circulation to those tissues, which is thought to accelerate the healing process. Additionally, the energy that the ultrasound introduces to the injured area causes cavitation. Cavitation is a process by which tiny gas bubbles around the injured tissue quickly expand and contract. In uncontrolled circumstances, cavitation can be dangerous to the body. However, in the hands of a qualified physiotherapist, cavitation can be a powerful tool to improve the healing process of physical injuries.
In some cases, therapeutic ultrasound can be used to help treatments penetrate the body without injections. This works well in patients who might be uncomfortable with needles, or who might not be able to receive them safely. The vibrations can help work a topical medication through the skin.
Therapeutic ultrasound treatments are conducted using an ultrasound unit. Ultrasound units contain a small crystal. When electricity is applied to the crystal in a specialized manner, the crystal vibrates rapidly. These vibrations travel to the head of the device, from which they are applied to the patient. To the patient receiving therapeutic ultrasound treatments, the vibrations feel like a tingling or warming sensation. However, if the treatments are applied with improper technique, the patient may begin to feel pain.
Physiotherapists apply therapeutic ultrasounds through the use of a machine called an ultrasound transducer. First, the therapist applies a specialized gel to the part of the body set to receive therapy. Then the physiotherapist activates the transducer, causing it to begin vibrating, and presses the transducer gently against the body. The settings on the transducer can usually be adjusted to alter the strength of the vibrations, or to alter how deeply they penetrate the tissue.
Doctors commonly recommend therapeutic ultrasound as a treatment for injuries related to the body's soft tissue. This includes overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, and muscle spasms. It can also include muscle and ligament injuries, such as damage to the body's delicate joints.
In some instances, therapeutic ultrasound can do more harm than good. This procedure should never be used over open wounds, or around particularly sensitive areas. It should never be used over or near fractured bones. In addition, it should never be used over an electrical device implanted within the body, as it may cause interference. Finally, therapeutic ultrasounds should never be used over parts of the body infected with cancerous lesions.
Bibliography
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