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Ultrasound

An image showing ultrasound treatment being applied to a patients knee

Ultrasound Treatment is delivered using an ultrasound machine which applies high frequency sound energy (or ultrasonic waves) directly into soft tissue and myofascial structures in the body. This sound, which can’t be heard by humans, is delivered through the mechanical vibration of a metal device that is moved over the surface of the skin where your injury is. A gel is placed onto your skin over the injury which allows the ultrasound waves to travel onto the treatment area. Your physiotherapist will move the device round in a circular motion, setting the frequency of the machine to be specific to your treatment. Simply speaking, the lower the frequency, the deeper the waves can go, and the higher the frequency the closer to the skin it will help.

As the ultrasonic waves pass through to the injured area they cause a vibration of the tissues which results in the creation of heat. An effect of heat being produced is that it allows the ligaments and tendons in the problem area to loosen up and increase the amount of movement available in that area.

An advantage to ultrasound treatment is the increased healing towards certain soft tissue injuries. By applying ultrasonic waves, it encourages more blood to flow to the injured area, bringing fresh oxygen and leading to the reduction of toxins and waste material.

Even though ultrasound can be very soothing and gentle, it is still an effective form of physiotherapy treatment that benefits a broad spectrum of medical conditions. These include however are not limited to the following:

  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Inflammatory related pathology