Ultrasound Physiotherapy

What Is Ultrasound Physiotherapy?

Ultrasound physiotherapy is a treatment method that is used nowadays in physical therapy. It helps in healing soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints by deep heating them. It should be noted here that ultrasound therapy in physiotherapy is not the same as diagnostic ultrasound. The former is used to heal tissues while the latter is used to see inner body parts of a human being. One is a treatment method while the other is a diagnostic method. 

What Does Ultrasound Do?

Ultrasound in physiotherapy is used to produce two different kinds of effects:

1. Deep Heating: Generally, ultrasound is used to deep heat soft tissues like muscles and joints. When heated, these tissues increase the circulation to other tissues that are responsible for the healing process in the body. Sometimes, deep heat is also used to increase tissue temperature, which ultimately reduces the pain. 

Deep heating is also used to stretch the muscles that have become tight due to some reason. People suffering from shoulder pain, or frozen shoulder are often given deep heat with the use of ultrasound in physiotherapy. The deep helps in increasing the extensibility of shoulder tissues. 

1. Non- thermal effects: These effects are also called cavitation. The energy produced by ultrasound produces minute sized bubbles near your tissues. These tissues expand and then contract frequently. This expansion and contraction help cells in speeding up their cellular processes and healing the injured parts of tissues. 

How Does It Actually Work?

The science behind ultrasonic physiotherapy is very simple. There is a small crystal place inside the ultrasonic machine for physiotherapy. When the electricity button is switched on, an electric charge passes through the crystal. The crystal starts vibrating and emits waves called piezoelectric waves. These piezoelectric waves are then converted into ultrasound waves when they are emitted from the ultrasound sound head. Once the ultrasound waves enter your body, it produces heat and cavitation. We have already explained how heat and cavitation help in healing injured tissues in the body. 

How Is Ultrasound Done?

Ultrasound machines have a sound head that emits ultrasound waves. A special gel is applied to the needed body part and then the sound head of the ultrasound machines is moved around the body part. While moving the machine, your therapist might control various aspects of soundwaves. For example, the depth of penetration and the intent  

This is the general method of performing ultrasound physiotherapy. There can be special conditions when the body part is bumpy or if there is some open wound. Extra care has to be taken especially in the case of open wounds because bacteria and other pathogens can enter into your body with the gel and the sound head. 

To treat the inflammation around any tissue, physiotherapists use a topical medication. This medication is combined with the gel before performing an ultrasound. This process of using topical medical medication in physiotherapy ultrasound machine is called phonophoresis. 

Does Ultrasound Cause Pain?

It is most likely that you will not feel anything except tingling and warm sensation while your physiotherapist will perform the physiotherapeutic ultrasound. However, if the sound head is not moved in circles and is rested on just one place, you might sense pain. Tell your therapist if you feel pain anytime in the procedure. 

When Not to Use Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a very effective treatment method for healing. It is even very safe compared to a few other methods but there are special conditions when you should not opt for the ultrasound. These conditions are:

• When you are pregnant
• When you have large-sized open wounds
• When you have undergone metal implants
• When you have cancer (performing ultrasound on the active area is risky)
• When you have been implanted with a pacemaker

Where Is Ultrasound Used?

Ultrasound in physiotherapy is mostly used in the treatment of orthopedic injuries. For example:

• Muscles tear
• Frozen shoulders
• Tendonitis
• Injuries in ligaments
• Tightness in joints
• Bursitis

In general, ultrasound is used where injury of soft-tissues like ligaments, joints, and tendons is involved. Other than that, it is also used to treat the pain of back and neck, ankle sprain, etc. 

How Can Portea Help?

Below are some ways Portea can help you: 

• We have a team of physical therapists that have years of experience of treating ultrasound.
• We provide treatment in your home or home-care facility.
• Our ultrasonic physiotherapists are specialized in problems related to muscles, joints, and soft-tissues.
• We have the most advanced ultrasound machines that do the job in the most efficient way possible.
• Our physiotherapists are emphatic about your problems. We ensure that you do not get uncomfortable for any reason during the treatment. 

With Portea, you’re not just getting the best Ultrasound Physiotherapy at home; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing care, and dedicated trained attendants. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

References

• https://www.physio-pedia.com/Ultrasound_therapy
• https://www.healthline.com/health/therapeutic-ultrasound
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/therapeutic-ultrasound-in-physical-therapy-2696419

FAQs

What advantages does ultrasound therapy offer?

Ultrasound therapy aids in alleviating pain, enhancing blood circulation, diminishing swelling and inflammation, and fostering tissue repair, thereby effectively addressing and alleviating the painful symptoms associated with various conditions.

Does ultrasound therapy in physical therapy produce results?

Overall, ultrasound therapy is considered a safe treatment with a long history of use in physical therapy. It delivers heat to deep tissues in the body, potentially aiding in the healing process. However, research findings may not strongly support the effectiveness of ultrasound in physical therapy.

What are the drawbacks of ultrasound therapy in physiotherapy?

Ultrasound physical therapy carries a minimal risk of complications. However, prolonged exposure to low-intensity ultrasound may result in superficial burns on the skin. Therefore, healthcare providers typically ensure continuous movement of the ultrasound probe when it comes into contact with the skin.

What is the duration of ultrasound therapy in physiotherapy?

Ultrasound therapy in physiotherapy is applied three times a week for five minutes per session. The outcomes indicated enhanced healing rates when combined with standard wound care.

How can I find ultrasound physiotherapy services near me?

For those in Nagpur searching for “ultrasound physiotherapy near me” or “ultrasonic physiotherapy near me” on Google, Portea’s exceptional in-home physiotherapy services are the preferred choice.