Ultrasound has long been used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for a range of medical conditions, including pregnancy. However, ultrasound therapy is one of the newest modalities being used in chiropractic care. This is because ultrasound has been shown to have a range of positive, therapeutic effects on the body when applied in the correct way.
Ultrasound therapy is carried out using a handheld device in much the same way as you would expect when it is being used in diagnostic testing. A conductive gel is applied to the handheld device which is passed over the skin in the area of the body being targeted. This gel enables the soundwaves to be conducted more effectively, passing into your body where they increase tissue relaxation, stimulate blood flow, and aid in scar tissue breakdown. The boosted blood flow enables oxygen and nutrients to be more effectively passed around the body, reaching areas where healing is required and accelerating this process. The entire process can usually be carried out in less than half an hour and while you might notice some warmth and tingling, it shouldn’t be painful.
Ultrasound therapy is gaining popularity thanks to the wide range of benefits that it offers, which include the following:
It Has A Wide Range Of Applications
Ultrasound therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including:
Carpal tunnel: a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, hands, wrists, and lower arms. It’s caused by pressure placed onto the main nerve that runs from the arms into the hands.
Bursitis: a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints.
Strains and sprains: very common injuries that can occur following trips, slips and falls, or due to repetitive strain on a joint such as during certain sports or work activities.
Osteoarthritis: a very common condition characterized by the degeneration of the joints as a result of the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones wearing down with age.
Chronic pain conditions: conditions that cause the patient to experience chronic discomfort/pain, including lower back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis.
Pain caused by scar tissue: when excessive scar tissue forms, it can cause the tissues in the area to tighten, limiting their mobility and causing pain and inflammation.
Ultrasound Therapy Is Non-Invasive And Painless
One of the biggest benefits of ultrasound therapy is that is it completely non-invasive and painless. You will be able to relax while your treatment is being carried out, and while some patients may experience a little warmth and tingling, there shouldn’t be any discomfort and there is no need for anesthetic.
It Can Relieve Pain Without Medications
Ultrasound has been shown to stimulate blood flow, which in turn will reduce inflammation and the pain that usually accompanies it. However, that’s not all. It also stimulates the body to release endorphins which help to naturally relieve pain without the need for medications. In fact, patients who undergo ultrasound therapy can reduce and even eliminate their need to take pain relief drugs.
Acceleration Of The Healing Process
Ultrasound therapy is often recommended following injury. This is because it has been shown to increase the rate at which healing takes place. It does this by relaxing the tissues, breaking down internal scar tissue and enabling blood containing oxygen and nutrients to reach the area where healing is required. In some instances, ultrasound can even be used to promote bone fracture healing.
If you are interested in finding out more about ultrasound therapy, or to schedule an appointment to see if ultrasound therapy could benefit you, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team in Davenport, IA.