How to Use Ultrasound in Physical Therapy
Ultrasound technology has been a part of physical therapy techniques in Europe since the 1940s. Ultrasound treatment has been effective in reducing pain caused by certain injuries. One of the highest success rates of ultrasound is softening tense muscles. Moderate charges are expected when ultrasound is utilized. Follow these steps to learn more.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Use Ultrasound Therapy to Relieve Pain
1
Recognize the benefits of ultrasound therapy. Increased circulation and decreased inflammation are two healthy advantages of this method of physical therapy.
2
Treat injured tissue with high frequency sound waves. Sound waves are used penetrate specific muscle areas, causing internal warming to the area. As a result, tight muscles become relaxed, providing relief from pain.
3
Understand that the use of ultrasound increases the blood flow to the affected area thus allowing the proteins in the blood to repair themselves. This is ideal for soft tissue injuries.
Consider Other Treatments for Pain Relief
1
Think about the use of pulsed signal therapy for repetitive stress injuries. The technology uses a medical device to creates an electromagnetic field. The pulsed signal can then be directed to stimulate the area and aid natural healing.
2
Take medication prescribed by your physician for pain management in addition to physical therapy.
3
Research alternatives such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a form of electro analgesia to treat back pain.
4
Get proper instruction on stretching techniques. These are a natural and effective, gentle option to relieving pain. It may be best to confirm the technique in your therapists office before beginning at-home stretching exercises.
Learn Ultrasound Techniques
1
Begin by placing a hypoallergenic gel to the skin to reduce friction on the skin's surface.
2
Set the ultrasound machine to the proper strength. Trained sonographers will be able to use the appropriate strength necessary for the individual patient and injury.
3
Hold the probe with one hand. Use gentle circular motions to administer the treatment. This can last up to 10 minutes per area.
4
Learn more about ultrasound via the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
Plan to use physical therapy and its many techniques in tandem to see the best results.
Rely on the advice of your medical doctor and physical therapist to treat minor injuries.
Go to a hospital immediately if you have a medical emergency. Ultrasound therapy shouldn't be used to treat life threatening head injuries.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033117_use-ultrasound-physical.html
Ultrasound technology has been a part of physical therapy techniques in Europe since the 1940s. Ultrasound treatment has been effective in reducing pain caused by certain injuries. One of the highest success rates of ultrasound is softening tense muscles. Moderate charges are expected when ultrasound is utilized. Follow these steps to learn more.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Use Ultrasound Therapy to Relieve Pain
1
Recognize the benefits of ultrasound therapy. Increased circulation and decreased inflammation are two healthy advantages of this method of physical therapy.
2
Treat injured tissue with high frequency sound waves. Sound waves are used penetrate specific muscle areas, causing internal warming to the area. As a result, tight muscles become relaxed, providing relief from pain.
3
Understand that the use of ultrasound increases the blood flow to the affected area thus allowing the proteins in the blood to repair themselves. This is ideal for soft tissue injuries.
Consider Other Treatments for Pain Relief
1
Think about the use of pulsed signal therapy for repetitive stress injuries. The technology uses a medical device to creates an electromagnetic field. The pulsed signal can then be directed to stimulate the area and aid natural healing.
2
Take medication prescribed by your physician for pain management in addition to physical therapy.
3
Research alternatives such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a form of electro analgesia to treat back pain.
4
Get proper instruction on stretching techniques. These are a natural and effective, gentle option to relieving pain. It may be best to confirm the technique in your therapists office before beginning at-home stretching exercises.
Learn Ultrasound Techniques
1
Begin by placing a hypoallergenic gel to the skin to reduce friction on the skin's surface.
2
Set the ultrasound machine to the proper strength. Trained sonographers will be able to use the appropriate strength necessary for the individual patient and injury.
3
Hold the probe with one hand. Use gentle circular motions to administer the treatment. This can last up to 10 minutes per area.
4
Learn more about ultrasound via the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
Plan to use physical therapy and its many techniques in tandem to see the best results.
Rely on the advice of your medical doctor and physical therapist to treat minor injuries.
Go to a hospital immediately if you have a medical emergency. Ultrasound therapy shouldn't be used to treat life threatening head injuries.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033117_use-ultrasound-physical.html
