Therapeutic ultrasound as a treatment modality that has been used by therapists over the last 50 years to treat soft tissue injuries. Ultrasonic waves (sound waves of a high frequency) are produced by means of mechanical vibration of the metal treatment head of the ultrasound machine. This treatment head is then moved over the surface of the skin in the region of the injury. When sound waves come into contact with air it causes a dissipation of the waves, between the treatment head and the surface of the skin.
As the ultrasound waves pass from the treatment head into the skin they cause the vibration of the surrounding tissues, particularly those that contain collagen. This increased vibration leads to the production of heat within the tissue. In most cases, this cannot be felt by the patient themselves. This increase in temperature may cause an increase in the extensibility of structures such as ligaments, tendons, scar tissue, and fibrous joint capsules. In addition, heating may also help to reduce pain and muscle spasm and promote the healing process.
Ultrasound is thought to accelerate the normal resolution time of the inflammatory process by attracting more mast cells to the site of injury. This may cause an increase in blood flow which can be beneficial in the sub-acute phase of tissue injury. As blood flow may be increased it is not advised to use ultrasound immediately after an injury.
Ultrasound may also stimulate the production of more collagen- the main protein component in soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. Hence ultrasound may accelerate the proliferative phase of tissue healing.
Ultrasound is thought to improve the extensibility of mature collagen and so can have a positive effect on fibrous scar tissue which may form after an injury.
Mechanical effect – high-frequency vibration
The effect of ultrasound as it advances through the medium.
Ultrasonic vibration can cause the movement of substances in tissue cells. Due to the fine massage of ultrasound, the cytoplasm flows, cells oscillate, rotate, rub, and thus produce cell massage, also known as “internal massage”.
The mechanical action of ultrasound softens tissue, enhances penetration, increases metabolism, promotes blood circulation, and stimulates the nervous system and cell function.
Warming effect – warming
Human tissue has a relatively large absorption power for ultrasonic energy. Therefore, when ultrasonic waves are propagated in human tissues, their energy is continuously absorbed by tissues to become heat, and as a result, the temperature of the tissues themselves is increased.
The heat production process is an energy conversion process in which mechanical energy is converted into heat energy in a medium, which is called endogenous heat. Ultrasound warming can increase blood circulation, accelerate metabolism, improve local tissue nutrition, and enhance enzyme activity.
Physical and chemical effects – cavitation
Both the mechanical and thermodynamic effects of ultrasound can trigger several physical and chemical changes.
Cavitation forms, or maintains a stable one-way vibration, or secondary expansion to collapse, cell function changes, and intracellular calcium levels increase. Fibroblasts are activated, protein synthesis is increased, vascular permeability is increased, angiogenesis is accelerated, and collagen tension is increased.
Under ultrasound, the gel can be transformed into a sol state, a softening effect on muscles, tendons, and some pathological changes associated with tissue water deficit. Such as rheumatoid arthritis and treatment of degenerative lesions of joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Ultrasound can affect blood flow, produce inflammation, inhibit, and play an anti-inflammatory effect.
While Growing up Betse used an Ultrasound on the athletes in her dad’s medical office. All the football players and others said that they experience a great deal of comfort and healing after the sessions.
If you would like to schedule an ultrasound treatment in Oceanside California. You will be using it on yourself outside on the Patio with your mask on. I will be directing from 6 feet away to help you with the process. Please use the contact form and I will get back to you.