What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Ultrasound therapy involves the use of sound waves well above the range of human hearing to heal soft tissue injuries and provide pain relief. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed wand that is placed directly on your skin. Ultrasound gel is used on all surfaces of the head in order to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves. A typical treatment lasts between 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the area needing work.
What is Therapeutic Ultrasound Used For?
Since ultrasound waves cannot penetrate bone easily, ultrasound therapy is used for soft tissue injuries such as:
- Tendonitis
- Trigger points
- muscle spasms
- Scar tissue formation
- Capsulitis
- Joint swelling
Are There Any Side Effects?
There should be little to no sensation when receiving ultrasound therapy. The ultrasound wand is in constant motion to prevent any damage to the bone and gel is always used to filter and assist sound wave penetration. Our Naturopathic Physicians at the Butterfly Naturopathic Clinic are fully trained to use ultrasound therapy and avoid any complications to treatment.
How does Therapeutic Ultrasound Work?
The sound waves enter soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments and muscles, to help relieve spasms, increase circulation and decrease muscle tension. Sometimes, other oils or creams, such as arnica oil or traumeel, are added to the ultrasound gel to be penetrated into the soft tissues and provide a stronger therapeutic effect.
What is Therapeutic Ultrasound Not Good For?
- Local malignancy below the area being treated
- Metal implants below the area being treated, such as joint replacements
- Local acute infection
- Vascular abnormalities, such as varicose veins
- Directly on the abdomen of pregnant women
- Over active epiphyseal regions (growth plates) in children
- Over the eyes, skull, or testes.
