Physical Therapy Ultrasound Treatment
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The Basics
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Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment that physical therapists frequently use to reduce tissue inflammation and promote healing. Ultrasound is a form of sound energy used to create movement of molecules inside specific body tissues. As these molecules vibrate, they bump into each other and create heat from friction. The heat and movement produced each have therapeutic effects on body tissues.
The Ultrasound Machine
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The ultrasound machine has a transducer wand that contains a specialized crystal that vibrates when an electric current is applied to it. As the crystal expands and contracts, it creates a sound wave. The machine also has a base console that powers the transducer and contains the on/off switch, a timer and the control panel. A cable carries the electrical current from the console to the transducer.
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Medium
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The waves created by the transducer travel most efficiently through a medium. Since air is not an effective medium, ultrasound gel is most often used to conduct the sound wave from the transducer head to the skin, and then on through to the targeted tissue. The physical therapist may also use a gel pack, or may immerse the transducer and targeted body part in water for the treatment.
Effects
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Ultrasound application can have numerous effects on body tissues. The deep tissue heating that occurs with ultrasound can reduce pain, improve blood flow, increase connective tissue stretch, decrease inflammation and ease muscle guarding. Other effects are the result of the vibration of tissue cells. Ions in the cells and tiny gas bubbles in the tissues respond to the vibration and increase cell permeability. Increased cell permeability helps tissue healing and decreases swelling.
What to Expect During Treatment
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The physical therapist will ask you to expose the area of the body that is being treated. The therapist will apply a generous amount of gel to the skin, and will massage the area with the transducer wand. You will typically feel a warm sensation, but you will not feel pain. The therapist will continue to massage the area for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the tissue and the intensity of the heating desired. When complete, the therapist will wipe up the excess gel with a towel and you will move on to the next part of your therapy.
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