THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is the most commonly utilized therapeutic modality in rehabilitation. Ultrasound is a type of sound wave that is inaudible to the human ear (frequency greater than 20,000 Hz). Therapeutic ultrasound consists of both thermal and non-thermal ultrasound and is the type of ultrasound used in physiotherapy practice. Thermal ultrasound (continuous waveform) has been widely used in the clinical setting for approximately 50 years, whereas non-thermal ultrasound (pulsed) has been used for clinical applications for approximately 20 years.
Indications for thermal and non-thermal ultrasound include:
- Decrease pain
- Decrease scar tissue/adhesions
- Increase healing rate
- Increase collagen extensibility
- Decrease edema/swelling
- Increase blood flow
- Increase circulation
Common conditions effectively treated:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Calcifications
- Bursitis
- Myofascial pain syndromes
- Acute ankle sprain
- Knee ligament and cartilage injury
- Spinal pain - back and neck
- Any inflammation or pain-producing condition/injury
