Ultrasound Therapy

What Is Ultrasound Therapy ?

Ultrasound therapy is a type of electrotherapy that has been used in physiotherapy for a long time. It’s most well-known for its non-thermal effect, in which high-frequency sound waves cause cellular fluids to vibrate and move.

Ultrasound therapy has been shown to improve the healing rate of certain soft tissues.

It is believed to:

Increase blood flow to a specific area to hasten the inflammatory process’ resolution time.
During tissue healing, stimulate the production of collagen (the main protein in tendons and ligaments).

Common Injuries Treated With Ultrasound

Bursitis
Tendonitis
Muscle Strain and tears
Osteoarthritis
Ligament and tendon injuries

What To Expect ?

On the body part to be treated, a small amount of gel will be applied. The physiotherapist will place a transducer (sound head) attached to the ultrasound machine onto the gel and move it in small circles. The physiotherapist will programme the machine to deliver the required sound wave depth and intensity.

During the ultrasound treatment, you will most likely be completely unaware of what is going on. If you experience any discomfort or pain, contact your physiotherapist right away.

How Safe Is It?

Ultrasound therapy is a painless and non-invasive treatment option. However, there are times when ultrasound therapy isn’t the best option. Your qualified physiotherapist will make sure it’s the right technique for you and will go over it with you. It would not be used over cancerous body parts, in pregnant women, or in children, to name a few examples.

Does It Work?

Ultrasound therapy has been shown to improve symptoms and healing in a variety of soft tissue conditions, but the evidence is often of poor quality. Ultrasound therapy has been shown in recent studies to have a high likelihood of a placebo effect and to have minimal long-term benefits.

Ultrasound may be used in conjunction with other more research-supported manual hands-on techniques due to the lack of substantial evidence for significant benefits (based on our physiotherapists assessment of you). Our physiotherapists will make their decision based on the injury or condition you’re dealing with.