How does Ultrasound Therapy work?

Ultrasound machines generate high frequency, inaudible sound waves. These sound waves travel through the skin and into the body. In the process, the affected area experiences an increase in local blood flow. This increase in blood flow results in a reduction in chronic swelling and scar tissue breakdown. The blood flow carries nutrients to the focused area as well.

Therapeutic ultrasound stimulates tissue below the skin’s surface. Essentially, it is a high-frequency massage that can go as deep as five inches below the surface of the skin. 

The sound waves, between 800,000Hz and 2,000,000Hz, cannot be heard. This high-frequency sound affects tiny molecules and cells in your body, causing them to move. 

Ultrasound has been used therapeutically since the 1940s. It is applied through a wand-like instrument that comes in direct contact with the skin near the affected muscle.

In addition to heat, therapeutic ultrasound causes an increase in:

• Tissue relaxation to heal muscle more quickly and effectively with less scar tissue
• Local blood flow to reduce swelling, chronic inflammation and promote bone healing
• Scar tissue breakdown

Injuries to muscles are prolonged to heal because people continue to use the injured body parts. This leads to repeated stressing the injury. Regular treatments of ultrasound during the healing process will reduce pain and reduce the time needed to heal.

Some conditions treated with ultrasound include:

• Tendonitis
• Non-acute joint swelling
• Muscle spasm
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Carpal and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Swollen disks
• Injuries to the tendons, ligaments, muscles and
• cartilage
• Muscle tension headaches and migraines

When to not use Ultrasound Therapy:

• If you have certain types of cancer
• If you have a plastic joint implant

At Manhattan Wellness Group, we have the leading physical therapists who can also combine Ultrasound Therapy with other treatments to achieve more effective results. The synergetic approach is our unique way of customizing treatment plans and what makes us special.