Therapeutic Ultrasound
If you struggle with a soft tissue injury, chronic joint inflammation, chronic connective tissue strain, or painful scar tissue accumulation around muscles, you should know about the healing benefits of therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound treatment, in conjunction with chiropractic care and other non-invasive techniques, can help you overcome your pain, stiffness, and other musculoskeletal limitations. Take a look at this safe, drug-free road toward a more functional and comfortable life.
What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
The term "ultrasound" refers to sound waves generated in a frequency range far above that of human hearing. While you may have heard of it in the context of diagnostic imaging, therapeutic ultrasound operates at different frequencies than diagnostic ultrasound. The therapeutic instruments usually generate frequencies of 1MHz or 3MHz.
When ultrasonic energy comes into contact with injured or ailing human tissues, some remarkable changes can occur. The waves increase blood flow to the treatment site, warming, and relaxing the tissues while also accelerating the healing process.
Ultrasound also causes fluids to move through and among cells more easily, a phenomenon known as streaming. Meanwhile, ultrasonic vibration appears to increase the flexibility of collagen, a component of scar tissue and other structures, so that tissues can operate more comfortably and freely.
Conditions Treated by Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound can play an important role in both acute injury treatment and chronic pain management. Ultrasound is used to treat conditions such as:
Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Tendinitis
Plantar fasciitis
Strained muscles
Sprained ligaments
Wrist pain
Running injuries
Adhesions (lumps of scar tissue that limit musculoskeletal motion)