Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality that is applied using a sound head and ultrasound gel.   Gel is placed over the area to be treated and the sound head is moved over the treatment area.  The gel is used to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves.  The waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the sound head.  The sound waves that pass through the skin cause a vibration of the local tissues. This vibration or cavitation can cause a deep heating locally though usually no sensation of heat will be felt by the patient. In situations where a heating effect is not desirable, such as a fresh injury with acute inflammation, the ultrasound can be pulsed rather than continuously transmitted.

Ultrasound can produce many effects other than just the potential heating effect. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce localized swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing.