High-Frequency Sound Wave Therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses the application of sound waves of a high frequency to deliver heat to a specific area. As the waves pass through the skin, they cause a vibration of heat, leading to the extensibility of tissue, tensions and scar tissues. Patients have benefited from ultrasound therapy as a therapeutic treatment.
How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work?
Ultrasound therapy provides deep soundwave and heating to soft tissue structures in the body. As a result, the muscles, ligaments, and tendons increase blood circulation. This often helps to aid the healing process of injured soft tissues.
Similar to cold therapy treatment, ultrasound therapy is applied by a handheld metal head (sound head). A small amount of warm gel will be applied to the affected area as a conductive medium that allows the sound waves from the sound head to transmit directly with the tissues beneath the skin.
Patients will feel the sound head move in circular motions on the focused area of their skin. This feeling is painless. In fact, many patients find it to be relaxing.
Depending on the depth of the injured tissue, ultrasound dosage may be adjusted in frequency intensity. High-frequency application is normally used for tissues that are closer to the surface of the skin while low-frequency doses are used for deeper penetration.
There are two types of ultrasound therapy that are commonly used: thermal ultrasound therapy and mechanical ultrasound therapy. Both differ by the rate in which the sound waves are applied.
Thermal Ultrasound
Thermal ultrasound uses continuous transmission of sound waves to penetrate the tissue. The vibration that occurs causes the deep tissue to warm and increase friction. The warming effect increases the metabolism at the level of the tissue cells and therefore aids the healing of the structures.
Mechanical Ultrasound
Mechanical ultrasound uses pulses of sound waves to transmit through the skin. Although this still warms the tissues, it also expands and contracts the gas bubbles of the soft tissues. As a result, inflammation decreases which help to reduce swelling and pain.
Conditions Treated by Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy is used to treat pain and promote the healing of tissue. It can reduce your pain for any of the following conditions:
- Tendonitis
- Sprain/Strains
- Bursitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Joint-Swelling
- Muscle Spasms
- Sprains
- Ligament Injuries
Ultrasound Therapy at Gardner
At Gardner Chiropractic & Injury, we provide effective courses of treatment to promote overall body health. If you are suffering from soft tissue injuries, Dr. Gardner will sit down with you to assess your pain and decide if ultrasound therapy is right for you.
If you are experiencing any of the above conditions and are interested in ultrasound therapy, call Gardner Chiropractic & Injury to set up an appointment.
