Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy is a treatment method that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various musculoskeletal problems.
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More about ultrasound therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound works by ultrasound waves produced by high-frequency electromagnetic oscillations and the piezoelectric effect.
The main effect of therapeutic ultrasound is mechanical, either thermal (continuous ultrasound) or non-thermal (pulsed ultrasound). The thermal effect, which warms the tissues, speeds up metabolism, increases blood circulation, affects soft tissue elasticity and reduces pain and muscle spasms.
High-frequency ultrasound (3MHz) works superficially (1–2cm) and causes a local temperature rise, mainly in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, while low-frequency ultrasound (1Mhz) reaches deeper (3–4cm) tissues (muscles, connective tissue, joints, etc.).
The non-thermal effects depend mainly on the intensity and duration of the ultrasound therapy. At low intensities ((0.5–1W/cm2), we induce a mechanical effect on the tissues – a micro-massage and improve the oxidation-reduction processes in the cell. In addition to its mechanical and physicochemical effects, medium-intensity ultrasound (1–3W/cm2) stimulates biological processes in tissues, increasing protein synthesis and cell membrane permeability. High-intensity ultrasound (above 3W/cm2) causes cavitation – irreversible changes in tissue and the development of inflammatory processes that provoke tissue regeneration and healing.
Ultrasound therapy can be performed dynamically (by moving it steadily), statically or in combination with different electrical currents.
When is ultrasound therapy recommended?
For various inflammatory and pain syndromes in muscles and joints (bursitis, arthritis, epicondylitis, etc.)
For acute or chronic injuries to soft tissues, tendons and ligaments
For shortened soft tissue (scars, etc.)
After bone fractures
For thickening of tendons and ligaments (carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, etc.)
In case of calcium deposits
When is ultrasound therapy not recommended?
In malignant tumours
In thrombophlebitis
In pregnancy and in the area of the reproductive organs
To persons with a pacemaker or metal implants
In epiphysis in children and adolescents
In infections and open wounds
In acute inflammation