What is ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound therapy is a technique that is included within physiotherapy. It consists of treating injuries with the application of ultrasound, i.e. sound vibrations above 20,000 Hz.
The sound is formed by mechanical vibrations, compressions and periodic dilations of matter, and propagate through it with waves. Within the acoustic spectrum there are basically three zones:
- Infrasounds, with vibrations of frequency lower than 20Hz.
- Audible sounds, with frequency vibrations between 20 and 20,000Hz.
- Ultrasound, with vibrations higher than 20,000Hz, where ultrasound therapy is included.
Thus, ultrasound is a form of mechanical energy that will exert a thermal and a mechanical effect on the organism.
Why is it performed?
Ultrasound therapy has different uses, depending on the stage of the pathology to be treated. It is normally used for the treatment of
- Root pathology
- Soft tissue lesions
- Edema resorption
- Hematomas
- Algodystrophy
- Stiffness
- Ligament injuries
- Post traumatic synovitis
- Palmar aponeurosis retractions (Dupuytren’s)
- Tendinitis
- Periarthritis
- Capsulitis
- Ankylopoietic spondylitis
- Lumbosciatica
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
However, there are certain contraindications, typical of any thermotherapy. Thus, the application is not recommended in sensitive structures, such as eyes, eyelids, heart, pregnant uterus, epiphyseal plates in children, brain, spinal cord, testicles and ovaries. It is also not recommended if the patient suffers from certain pathologies, such as tumors, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, septic inflammation, diabetes and prostheses.
What does it consist of?
Ultrasound therapy is applied with ultrasound waves, with a sanitary equipment that produces ultrasonic waves with piezoelectric effect by a quartz crystal installed in the head.
To carry out the ultrasound therapy, a gel or lotion is applied to serve as a conductor, to better slide the head, to better carry out the therapy and to be better absorbed by the patient.
For tissue regeneration, the ultrasound light beam causes cavitation that increases cell permeability, which helps degranulation of macrocytes (increase in erythrocyte size) and the release of histamine (a hormone that dilates blood vessels and contracts smooth muscles). This causes, in a controlled manner, the initiation of an inflammatory response prior to fibroblastic regeneration.
The effects that ultrasound therapy will have on the organism may be:
- Physical effectsà The mechanical effect of the ultrasound waves causes a rhythmic movement of the particles in the tissues, which generates compressions and dilatations, acting as a cellular micromassage.
- Biological and therapeutic effectsà This results in changes in cellular activity (increased permeability of cell membranes), facilitates the dispersion of liquid accumulations, increases intercellular metabolism, releases histamine and reduces muscle contractures. However, in high doses it can produce contractures and spasms in the muscles.
The effects of ultrasound can be classified as follows:
Physical effects: The mechanical effect of the ultrasonic waves in their propagation through the tissues, causes a rhythmic movement of the particles, which gives rise to compressions and dilations, which will act as a cellular micromassage. In the thermal effect, the energy that is absorbed by the tissues is degraded and converted into heat.
Among the biological and therapeutic effects of ultrasound on the organism are changes in cellular activity, increasing the permeability of cell membranes, facilitating the dispersion of liquid and edematous accumulations, increasing intercellular metabolism, releasing histamine and, at low doses, decreasing muscle contractility. On the other hand, at high doses, it can produce contractures and muscular spasms.
On the circulatory system it will produce vasodilatation and an increase in local blood circulation, in response to the increase in temperature and the release of histamine.
The actions on the nervous system are changes in conduction velocity, variations in pain threshold sensitivity, decrease in excitability and irritability of nerve cells and acceleration of the axonal regeneration process.
Therapeutic effects of ultrasound are hyperemic, antispasmodic, antiphlogistic and analgesic actions.
Preparation for ultrasound therapy
Post-procedure care