Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound Therapy?
Ultrasound (US) is a form of MECHANICAL energy, not electrical energy. Mechanical vibration at increasing frequencies is known as sound energy. The normal human sound range is from 16Hz to something approaching 15-20,000 Hz (in children and young adults). Beyond this upper limit, the mechanical vibration is known as ULTRASOUND. The frequencies used in ultrasound therapy are typically between 1.0 and 3.0 MHz (1MHz = 1 million cycles per second).
The ultrasound waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the head of the probe. The ultrasound waves that pass through the skin cause a vibration of the local soft tissues. This vibration or cavitation can cause a deep heating locally though usually no sensation of heat will be felt by the patient. In situations where a heating effect is not desirable, such as a fresh injury with acute inflammation, the ultrasound can be pulsed rather than continuously transmitted.
Benefits
- healing rates
- tissue relaxation
- tissue heating
- local blood flow
- scar tissue breakdown.
What is Ultrasound Therapy used to treat?
Ultrasound therapy is used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues including but not limited to:
- Stiff neck
- Back pain
- Muscle tightness
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Stress fracture
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms then ultrasound therapy may be the right treatment for you.
Call us today on 07 3216 9677 to find out how Sunnybank Central Physiotherapy could help you.
