Ultrasound therapy is a form of mechanical energy that delivers a mid to high frequency vibration to the tissues to facilitate healing at a cellular level.
Ultrasound waves are vertical lines (longitudinal) waves that create oscillation within the treated tisses as opposed to them moving along the sound wave. This movement allows for tissues to be pushed or moved, thermal properties to develop and the breaking up of firmer structures such as scar tissue and adhesions. deliver a high frequency mechanical vibration to facilitate healing at a cellular level
The impact of ultrasound can be divided into two catagories: Thermal and Non-thermal
Thermal
In thermal mode, US will be most effective in heating the dense collagenous tissues and will require a relatively high intensity, preferably in continuous mode to achieve this effect.
The thermal effects of ultrasound assist with tissue healing, increasing circulation to the treated area, resoluton of chronic inflammation and an increase in tissue mobility.
Non-thermal
A process of stable cavitation within the tissues enables the formation and growth of gas bubbles within the tissue. These bubbles then enhance the acoustice streaming of the sound waves which create changes in the permeability of the cell membrane. This increase in activity levels of cellular activity is responsible for the therapeutic benefits of ultrasond, which include:
- increased blood flow
- promotion of tissue healing
- improve collagen alignment
- increase cell proliferation
- improve tissue biomechanics
- increase elasticity
