Ultrasound is used to:
- break up scar tissue and adhesions
- reduce inflammation, swelling and calcium deposits
- create a deep heat to a localized area to ease muscle spasms (much deeper than can be achieved with a hot pack – up to 5 cm)
- increase soft tissue extensibility prior to stretching and exercise
- facilitate healing at the cellular level
- speeds metabolism and improves blood flow
- reduces nerve root irritation
- at low intensities can speed bone healing
- enhance transcutaneous drug delivery by phonophoresis
Therapeutic ultrasound is a sound wave in the frequency range of 0.9 – 3 MHz. In the proliferative phase of healing, ultrasound effects fibroblasts and stimulates them to secrete collagen. This accelerates the process of wound contraction and increases the tensile strength of the healing tissue. Connective tissues will elongate better if both heat and stretch are applied. Continuous ultrasound at higher therapeutic intensities provides an effective means of heating deeper tissues prior to stretching them. Its effectiveness has been enhanced over the years by studies which help determine