Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality that has been used by physical therapists since the 1940s. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed wand or probe that is put in direct contact with the patient’s 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. Therapeutic ultrasound is in the frequency range of about 0.8-3.0 MHz.
Ultrasound can produce many effects other than just the potential heating effect. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. The intensity or power density of the ultrasound can be adjusted depending on the desired effect. A greater power density (measured in watt/cm2 is often used in cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal.
Some conditions treated with ultrasound include tendonitis (or tendinitis if you prefer), non-acute joint swelling, muscle spasm, and even Peyronie’s Disease (to break down the scar tissue).
Contraindications of ultrasound include:
Effects of therapeutic ultrasound
The effects of therapeutic ultrasound are still being disputed. To date, there is still very little evidence to explain how ultrasound causes a therapeutic effect in injured tissue. Nevertheless practitioners worldwide continue to use this treatment modality relying on personal experience rather than scientific evidence.
Below are a number of the theories by which ultrasound is proposed to cause a therapeutic effect.
Thermal effect:
Effects on the inflammatory and repair processes
One thing is certain: ultrasound can produce heat in deep tissues. This may have a number of beneficial effects, including:
Results showed that ultrasound used on the hands helped to increase grip strength. It also seemed to:
In 2007,researchers asked about 450 physical therapists for their opinions on using ultrasound to treat conditions like RA. Results showed that the therapists were likely to use ultrasound to accomplish the following:
Researchers concluded that ultrasound continues to be a popular treatment option for orthopedic conditions.
Ultrasound May Help in Bone Healing
In 2009, researchers published a study that observed ultrasound therapy in bone healing. Scientists reviewed past and recent literature findings. They examined data related to larger bones and the smaller bones of the face.
Numerous clinical and experimental studies found positive links between ultrasound and bone healing. As a bonus, ultrasound produced no serious complications or side effects—an advantage over other types of treatments. This may be helpful for RA patients experiencing bone erosion and deformities.
Ultrasound used For Fat Cativation Therapy
Ultrasound fat cavitation therapy is one of the latest aesthetic treatments that work to eliminate extra inches and achieve instant fat loss. Ultrasound directly delivers heat energy to skin and subcutaneous tissue that can stimulate and renew the skin's collagen and thus consequently improving the texture and reducing sagging of the skin. It literally achieves the result of a facelift or a body lift without any invasive surgery or injections, moreover, an added bonus of this procedure is that there is no downtime. This technique can be applied to the face as well as the whole body, and also, it works equally well for people of all skin colors.
Ultrasonic energy at precise depth (13mm, 8 mm) in subcutaneous fat layers targeting fat tissue causing a non-thermal effect. The surrounding structure such a the epidermis, blood vessels and nerves will not be damaged. Mean while the metabolized contents (triglyceride, fatty acid0 of cells will excrete outside body automatically through blood circulation and lymphatic drainage without harm to the human body. Non-surgical treatment, one treatment will loss 3-8 cm.
How long it takes?
Ultrasound therapy session only takes 20- 60 minutes, depends on the zone, making it the perfect lunch-hour treatment. There is no side effect, and the only things you will need to do to prepare is drink plenty of water.
Here are just a few of the many benefits to having ultrasound fat cavitation treatments
Common treatment spots include the belly, thighs, buttocks or back. Our specialist, can also tackle smaller areas, like your chin and upper arm.
Ultrasound Fat Cavitation therapy is painless. During and after the procedure, you shouldn't experience any discomfort. At most you feel a gentle warming sensation as the ultrasound wand works its way across your skin.
You can see pictures below of our patients
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