Ultrasound Therapy

In broad terms, ultrasound is a treatment that, in a sense, belongs to electrotherapy. Here, electricity is transformed into high-frequency sound waves, from 1 to 3 MHz.

The ultrasound waves are applied via sonic head directly to afflicted areas, using circular motions. Alternately, the treatment can be done in a partial bath, or in a container under water, for example on hands and feet. Then, the ultrasound waves are emitted either continually, or pulsed. In pulsed ultrasound, there’s no heating effect.

The objective of ultrasound therapy is a topical, targeted increase in circulation, and an improved cell metabolism. The pain threshold can also be raised. By improving circulation, injuries in muscle and ligament tissue can heal faster.

A special form of ultrasound therapy is Sonophorese, where ultrasound aids the absorbation and effect of medication applied to the afflicted tissue.

Applications

• Tendonitis (inflamed tendons) or ligament injuries (i.e. Tennis or Golfer’s Arm, achillodynia etc.)
• Soft tissue injuries by accidents (contusions or distortions)
• Pulled or torn muscles
• Injury of ligaments (i.e. supination trauma)
• Superficial arthrosis
• Delayed bone healing after breaks
• Rheumatic diseases
• Chronic inflammatory disease