Ultrasound Muscle Therapy
Ultrasound muscle therapy is a treatment using ultrasonic waves. Physical therapists use this type of treatment to promote healing in damaged muscle tissues. Ultrasound treatment also helps reduce pain caused by muscle injury and damage.
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Ultrasound Therapy
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Ultrasound therapy is performed by using an ultrasound machine that generates sound waves to the location of the injury. A gel is applied to the affected skin area. A probe from the ultrasound machine is then gently rubbed on the skin in circular motions, producing sound waves that penetrate muscle tissues. The sound waves create a gentle heat and stimulate healing in damaged muscles.
Injuries
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Muscle injuries or disorders treated with ultrasound therapy include tendinitis, whiplash, sprains and arthritis. Other disorders include gout, fibromyalgia, lupus and myofascial pain syndrome.
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Benefits
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Benefits of ultrasound muscle therapy include a faster healing time of damaged tissue. The sound waves from the ultrasound treatment draw blood to the affected tissues, promoting healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients. Inflammation and pain is reduced, decreasing the risk of muscle spasms and increasing range of motion.
Risks
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Ultrasound therapy may affect diseased tissue, so it should not be used in certain circumstances. Therapy should not be used on patients with cancerous tumors or acute infections, if a patient is suspected of having a bone fracture or is pregnant. The therapy should also not be performed in certain regions of the body, such as near the eyes, breasts or sexual organs, on broken skin or over any area of the body that has plastic implants.
Types
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There are two types of ultrasound muscle therapies, and the type used will depend on the muscle damage. Thermal ultrasound therapy is a constant transmission of sound waves, creating deep vibrations in the muscle tissue. This causes a warming effect and in turn draws blood to the area and speeds healing. Thermal therapy is best used on a muscle strain or sprain.
Mechanical ultrasound therapy releases intermittent sound waves to the affected area, causing expansion and contraction in muscle tissues. This reduces swelling and inflammation and decreases pain. Mechanical therapy is used on scar tissue such as with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Discuss with your doctor if ultrasound muscle therapy would be a good treatment option for you.
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