Therapy for Muscle Tension
Ultrasound therapy is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction. Thereapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver deep heat to the treated tissues, with the goal of reducing stiffness, swelling and pain while increasing circulation and promoting pain-free movement. This procedure is painless, and many people find it relaxing.
How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work?
Ultrasonic waves or sound waves of a high frequency that is not audible to the human ear are produced by means of mechanical vibration in the metal treatment head of the ultrasound machine. The treatment head is then moved over the surface of the skin in the region of the injury transmitting the energy into the tissues. Ultrasound is normally applied by use of a small metal treatment head which emits the ultrasonic beam. This is moved continuously over the skin during the treatment, which can be repeated 1-2 times daily in more acute injuries and less frequently in chronic cases.
When sound waves come into contact with air it causes a dissipation of the waves, and so a special ultrasound gel is placed on the skin to ensure maximal contact between the treatment head and the surface of the skin andto provide a medium through with the sound waves can travel. Ultrasound can also be applied under water which is also a medium for ultrasound waves to travel through.
What Benefits Can Therapy Provide?
Reduced Healing Time - One of the greatest proposed benefits of ultrasound therapy is that it is thought to reduce the healing time of certain soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound is thought to accelerate the normal resolution time of the inflammatory process by attracting more mast cells to the site of injury. This may cause an increase in blood flow which can be beneficial in the sub-acute phase of tissue injury.
Relaxation & Pain Relief - As patients undergo an ultrasound therapy session, they often report feeling relaxation and pain relief right away as the sound waves stimulate the muscles and relieve tension during the treatment.