Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves that are of such a frequency that they cannot be heard by the human ear. Gel is placed between the ultrasound probe and the skin over the affected area. This ensures good contact and the exclusion of air. The probe is then moved in a figure of eight over the treatment area for the desired length of time.

Therapeutic ultrasound causes deep heating of tissues. It decreases inflammation, pain and muscle spasm. It increases contractility of muscle, enzyme activity and circulation.

Therapeutic ultasound is used for muscle tears, sprains and strains, tendonitis and bursitis

Therapeutic Ultrasound commonly uses either 1MHz or 3MHz frequency

- 1 MHz is used for deeper tissues up to 4-5cm deep

- 3 MHz is used for more superficial tissues 1-2cm deep

The thermal component of ultrasound

- Heat tissue by 1-5°C in 5 -10 min, the effects lasts for 10-15 mins

- This causes vasodilatation, increase enzyme activity and enhanced healing

- Increases cell proliferation, protein syntheses and cytokine production

- Alter pain threshold

Decrease scar tissue by increasing macrophage migration and growth factors

- Change nerve conduction velocity

Increases contractility of muscle

- Increase metabolic rate

The thermal component of ultrasound

- Heat tissue by 1-5°C in 5 -10 min, the effects lasts for 10-15 mins

- This causes vasodilatation, increase enzyme activity and enhanced healing

- Increases cell proliferation, protein syntheses and cytokine production

- Alter pain threshold

Decrease scar tissue by increasing macrophage migration and growth factors

- Change nerve conduction velocity

Increases contractility of muscle

- Increase metabolic rate