Ultrasound

Characteristics of ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound physiotherapy is a treatment procedure that involves the application of ultrasound through a device attached directly to the skin. A special conductive gel is used for this. Ultrasound is a mechanical vibration that is obtained by transforming the variations of electric potential in the case of high frequency current by the piezoelectric effect.

Intensity of this procedure is determined by the transfer of ultrasonic energy, and the intensity is propagated as a beam of rays. Higher frequency means deeper penetration. Two forms of ultrasound are used in medical rehabilitation.

The first type is a form of current or discontinuous field, which generates an internal micro-tissue massage at the level of the muscles and a deep tissue heating. The second type is the discontinuous or pulsed current and does not produce tissue heating.

Conditions treated using ultrasound

Modern medical recovery frequently uses ultrasound therapy due to the beneficial effects of this procedure in various treatments. There is a wide range of conditions in which ultrasound therapy can be used effectively. Below are the most common:

• Degenerative conditions such as arthrosis, spondylosis, tendonitis, periarthritis or myofascial pain syndrome
• Rheumatologic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Dermatological conditions such as trophic ulcers, keloid scars or atonic wounds
• The orthopedic conditions such as fractures, contusions, dislocations, sprains or hematomas
• Collagen tissue disorders such as myositis, fibrositis or dermatomyositis
• Neurological disorders such as neuralgia, neuritis, spasticity
• Circulatory disorders such as Fontaine stage I and II, obliterating arteriopathy or Raynaud’s disease.

Equipment used for ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses a very modern medical device that transmits mechanical vibrations obtained by transforming the variations of the electrical potential of a high frequency current with the help of the piezoelectric effect. The ultrasound is applied by means of a sensor that allows the transfer of energy. Ultrasound therapy involves local application and segmentation using a probe connected to medical devices that help to emit ultrasound.

• Mechanical effects of micro-massage by achieving pressure variations at tissue level
• Thermal effects by the fact that micro-massage generates the release of caloric energy or heat
• Myorelaxant effects by activating microcirculation
• Hyperemic effects by stimulating microcirculation, including at the lymph level, as a result of increased temperature and mechanical vibration
• Effects such as increased membrane permeability
• Anti-inflammatory effects in pain relief as a consequence of improved microcirculation, muscle relaxation and stimulation of nerve fibers
• Bio-trophic effect by supporting the stimulation of regenerative processes
• Another effect of ultrasound is the phonophoresis effect, which involves therapeutic treatment by means of which medicinal substances are introduced into the body using ultrasound. It is a non-invasive method and a very effective alternative for the administration of drugs or classical injections.