What to Know About Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Ultrasound — or ultrasonography — is an imaging technique used not just during pregnancy but also for many medical procedures. Ultrasound physical therapy is a branch of ultrasound, alongside diagnostic ultrasound and pregnancy imaging. It's used to detect and treat various musculoskeletal issues you may have including pain, tissue injury, and muscle spasms.

How Ultrasound Physical Therapy Works

The ultrasound machine works by sending an electric current through crystals found in the ultrasound probe — also known as the ultrasound wand. The probe vibrates, causing waves to travel through the skin to the body underneath. The waves transfer energy to the tissues to cause the desired effects. Ultrasound can also be focused on tissues deep within your body without affecting other tissues close to the surface.‌

The frequency and intensity of the ultrasound, the duration of the procedure, and the area of its application all determine how ultrasound physical therapy is done.

Types of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

There are two types of therapeutic ultrasound: thermal and mechanical.

In thermal ultrasound, the wand causes the skin and the muscles to vibrate and heat up. Thermal ultrasound therapy is used to treat stretch pain, soft tissue pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. It can also be adapted to treat advanced issues like uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, and skin problems.‌

In mechanical ultrasound — also known as cavitation ultrasound therapy — the waves created by the ultrasound create pressure differences in tissue fluids, which lead to the forming of bubbles. As these bubbles interact with solid objects, they burst and create shockwaves. These shockwaves can be used in many ways like breaking down kidney stones and making them easier to remove.

Uses of Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Ultrasound is an effective way to treat swelling of muscles, joints, and ligaments.‌

Ultrasound can be used to treat a wide range of health problems. But, it's most commonly used to solve problems in muscle tissue. The heating effect of the ultrasound helps to heal muscle pain and reduces chronic inflammation.‌

Ultrasound also helps tissue fluids flow better — which means that more lymph passes through the tissues. Lymph is an important fluid that transports white blood cells throughout the body. So, in this way, ultrasound helps your damaged cells fight infections and heal faster.