Therapeutic ultrasound has been used as a treatment modality by physiotherapists over the last 50 years and has been used to:
- break up scar tissue and adhesions
- reduce inflammation, swelling and calcium deposits
- create a deep heat to a localized area to ease muscle spasms (much deeper than can be achieved with a hot pack – up to 5 cm)
- increase soft tissue extensibility prior to stretching and exercise
- facilitate healing at the cellular level
- speeds metabolism and improves blood flow
- reduces nerve root irritation
- at low intensities can speed bone healing
- enhance transcutaneous drug delivery by phonophoresis
Common conditions treated by ultrasound therapy:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis/ golfers elbow
- Hamstring, quadriceps and calf strains
- Post-trauma like whiplash
Frequency, duration and intensity can be decided by your treating physiotherapist, also making sure there are no contraindications to treatment.
This was written by Nick Lagos.