Therapeutic Ultrasound

I am taking a course in order to be able to add the use of Therapeutic Ultrasound to my practice and thought I'd do a little write up explaining what it is and how it might benefit you!

Therapeutic Ultrasound has been used for over 40 years and is a passive and pain free modality that is used widely by Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and RMT's. With the help of an ultrasound machine, you can elicit therapeutic benefits to specific areas (for example: wrists, elbows, knees). Ultrasound is commonly used on muscle, Ligament, Tendons, Scar tissue, Fascia and the Capsule. To help transmit the ultrasound waves I would use a gel between the machine and the target area. This will help to maximize the transmission of the waves as well as reduce friction at the treatment site. Similar to if you've ever had an ultrasound for imaging of a bone or a baby. There are different speeds and intensities (pulsing an area, or constant movement of the tool) used depending on the area of treatment. As well as varying the length of time on an area (usually between 5- 8 minutes) and I will be trained in knowing what will work best for which area. During treatment you may notice warming of the area or tingling - this is normal however, there should definitely not be any discomfort.

Therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to cause increases in healing rates, tissue relaxation, local blood flow ,scar tissue breakdown, chronic pain and some acute muscle strains. There are a few contraindications to take into account, that will be used to rule out whether or not you are a candidate for the use of this in a treatment (you can't treat over organs, pregnancy - for example) But that will be discussed before the use of the ultrasound.

If this is something you might like to try out in your upcoming treatment or you have any questions please let me know!