Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds are regular sound waves with frequencies higher than human hearing. Ultrasound devices operate with frequencies from 20 kHz up to several gigahertz.
It is alternating compression and rarefaction of sound waves, using frequencies between 0.7 and 3.3 MHz. Maximum energy absorption in soft tissue occurs from 2 to 5 cm. Intensity decreases as the waves penetrate deeper.
Ultrasound devices are used to detect objects and measure distances. It can detect invisible flaws in products and structures. Industrially, ultrasound is used for cleaning, mixing, and to accelerate chemical processes.
Whales, dolphins, bats, porpoises use ultrasound for locating prey and obstacles. Ultrasound imaging is used in medicine.
Ultrasound is used by physical and occupational therapists for treating connective tissues, like Ligament Sprains, Muscle Strains, Tendonitis, Joint Inflammation, Plantar fasciitis, Facet Irritation, Impingement syndrome, Bursitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Scar Tissue Adhesion.
Therapists use a transducer or applicator that is in direct contact with the patient’s skin. The use of gel will reduce friction and improve transmission of the ultrasonic waves.
High power ultrasound can break up stony deposits or tissue, accelerate the effect of drugs in a targeted area, assist in the measurement of the elastic properties of tissue, and can be used to sort cells or small particles for research.
Benefits of ultrasound:
- the decrease in pain from the reduction of swelling and edema,
- the gentle massage of muscles tendons and/or ligaments in the treated area,
- the speeding up of the healing process from the increase in blood flow in the treated area.
These benefits are possible because of its thermal and non thermal effects. Thermal due to the absorption of the sound waves. Non thermal due to cavitation, microstreaming and acoustic streaming.
Cavitational effects result from the vibration of the tissue causing microscopic bubbles to form, which transmit the vibrations in a way that directly stimulates cell membranes. This physical stimulation appears to enhance the cell-repair effects of the inflammatory response.
