What Can Ultrasound Therapy Treat?

Ultrasound therapy is a method of treatment commonly used during physical therapy. Its primary purpose is to apply deep heating to soft tissues in the body including muscles, tendons,ligaments, and joints. It is important to understand that ultrasound therapy is not the same as diagnostic ultrasound, which is typically used to see inside the body like to check the fetus in a pregnant woman. With a light gel applied to the skin in order to reduce friction and promote the transmission of ultrasonic waves at an approximate frequency range of 0.8-3.0 Mhz., the soundwaves submit a vibration through the local tissues, which causes a heating effect. Moreover, ultrasound therapy promotes tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown in the body to treat:

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*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

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How Ultrasound Therapy Works

Ultrasound therapy is implemented with an ultrasound machine that has an ultrasound transducer (sound head) attached. When a small amount of gel is applied to a particular body part, a physical therapist will slowly move the sound head in a small circular motion on the area. The settings for the ultrasound machine can be altered to control the intensity and depth of penetration of the ultrasound waves.

patient receiving ultrasound therapy in San Rafael

In situations where the heating effects undesirable, like with a fresh injury that produces acute inflammation, ultrasound therapy can be pulsed rather than continuously transmitted in order to reduce any discomfort the patient may feel. On the other hand, the intensity of the ultrasound may be increased during instances where breaking down scar tissue is the objective. Although breaking down scar tissue through ultrasound therapy may take a longer amount of time, the ultrasound treatment will normally take approximately 4-6 minutes, depending on the size and location of the area being treated.

If you are interested in ultrasound therapy, we can help determine if you are a good candidate for this therapy with a consultation at our San Rafael clinic.

Ultrasound Therapy Clinical FAQs

Therapeutic ultrasound generates both deep tissue heating and non-thermal microstreaming effects. The thermal component increases blood flow and tissue extensibility, while mechanical effects enhance cellular membrane permeability for healing.

Acute issues typically use pulsed ultrasound (lower intensity, interrupted output) to minimize heat, while chronic conditions may benefit from continuous mode for deeper thermal effects. We customize based on condition stage and goals.

Muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendonitis, and joint contractures often show good response. The treatment particularly helps conditions where increased tissue extensibility and healing acceleration are needed.

Most conditions benefit from 6-12 sessions, though individual response varies. We reassess progress every 3-4 treatments and adjust parameters based on tissue response at Pain Relief Clinic of Marin in San Rafael .

We use continuous movement of the soundhead, avoid treatment of overgrowth plates or certain implants, and follow specific time and intensity guidelines. Proper training ensures safe, effective application for various conditions.

We often use ultrasound before chiropractic adjustments to warm tissues and improve joint mobility. The combination can enhance adjustment effectiveness, particularly for chronic or restricted conditions at our San Rafael chiropractic clinic.

We avoid treatment over malignant areas, pregnant uterus, pacemakers, or acute infections. Pre-treatment screening ensures appropriate application based on individual health factors and condition characteristics.

While clinic-grade units offer greater power, certain home devices can provide maintenance benefits. We guide patients on appropriate home therapy applications based on their specific conditions and treatment progress.

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