Therapeutic Ultrasound
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What is Therapeutic Ultrasound
When someone hears the word ultrasound, the first thing that comes to mind is typically a process during pregnancy where you are monitoring a child’s development inside the womb. Therapeutic ultrasound is a different process that uses sound waves to promote healing in the body. Used since the 1950s, it is administered from a handheld device that is moved over the skin, sending high-frequency waves into tissues, sometimes creating a warming effect without discomfort. Unlike the imaging ultrasounds, this therapy focuses on recovery, often used by therapists to ease pain or speed up healing. Dr. Aaron Workman, a team member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, goes over how therapeutic ultrasound can support recovery from an injury.
- Pain Relief
Therapeutic ultrasound helps reduce pain by warming deep tissues, which relaxes muscles and eases stiffness. The sound waves also stimulate nerves to block pain signals, offering relief from aches caused by injury or overuse. A meta-analysis from the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehab, 2021, concluded that this type of therapy can reduce the intensity of pain and is considered safe. This makes therapy sessions more comfortable, encouraging better movement.
- Tissue Healing
The gentle heat from ultrasound boosts blood flow to injured areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients to speed tissue repair. It also encourages cell growth, helping mend muscles or tendons faster. An analysis found in Internal Medicine Review, looking at 20 years of data, showed that for tendon and bone connections certain therapeutic ultrasounds significantly improved healing and bone formation. This support is key for recovering from strains, sprains or even recovery from previous fractures.
- Improved Mobility
By loosening tight tissues and reducing scar tissue buildup, therapeutic ultrasound enhances flexibility. The sound waves break down adhesions, making joints and muscles move more freely. This can restore range of motion, aiding those stiff from injury or chronic conditions.
- Reduced Inflammation
Ultrasound’s deep warming effect helps decrease swelling by improving circulation and draining excess fluid from inflamed areas. The improved circulation allows more white blood cells throughout the areas helping fight infection while encouraging healing. This reduction in inflammation can relieve pressure on nerves and tissues, offering a great way to support the body’s healing process.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a powerful tool utilized within therapy programs, aiding pain relief, tissue healing, improved mobility, and reduced inflammation. Therapists apply a gel to the skin and use the device for a specific length of time, often 2-3 times a week, depending on the injury. At Chambers Medical Group, it is typically a part of the recovery process and will be a part of your therapy program if needed. It is usually paired with therapeutic exercises and other various modalities but should always be verified safe by your doctor as it may not be suitable for all cases.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
