Ultrasound sessions
It is a treatment method that uses mechanical vibrations with a frequency of more than 20 kHz; For therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes, as it has proven highly effective in physical therapy; As it provides a deep warmth to muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments; Therefore, it is especially used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and traumatic sequelae, as well as some internal diseases.
Ultrasound Technique Working Principles
Technically ultrasound devices rely on the electro-crystal mutual effect; The result of applying an alternating current to a material that has electrical pressure, is placed on top of the device (mostly barium titanate), and electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. Thus, sound wave sessions in physical therapy can be considered either indirect electrical treatment, a special form of mechanical treatment, or a type of high-frequency micro-vibrational massage. Here are the most prominent facts about this advanced technology:
- Vibrational massage occurs when the vibrations coming out of the device periodically spread in the form of areas of intense waves, and others rarefied waves, the energy resulting from the vibrations is absorbed into the tissues; to turn into heat.
- Knowing that the rate of absorption in the bone is 10 times more than in muscle, and it is in muscle about 2.5 times more than in adipose tissue.
- Tendons, nerves, and joint capsules are more absorbent than skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and muscle; Which contributes to the technology's ability to selectively heat these elements and not others.
- Treatment may be without effect; If there is a thin layer of air between the ultrasound head and the skin; Due to the occurrence of a complete reflection of the waves from the surface of the skin; Therefore, a medium that transmits waves between the head of the device and the skin is used, such as water, a special gel or paraffin oil.
- The ultrasound device emits inhomogeneous waves, and the interference of those waves results in the presence of maximum and minimum regions, one next to each other; Therefore, it is necessary to move the device continuously; In order for the treatment to become homogeneous and to allow the occurrence of this interference, which may lead to tissue destruction.
Ultrasound therapy efficacy
It should be noted that ultrasound used in physical therapy differs from diagnostic ultrasound, as for its effectiveness in physical therapy, it is:
Thermal effects: By deep heating the soft tissues of the body; Which results in increased blood circulation, for example, within muscle tendons or ligaments; Thus accelerating the healing process, as well as relieving pain.
Mechanical Effects: It is caused by the energy that ultrasound waves enter into the body, which forms microscopic bubbles of gas around the tissues that expand and contract rapidly; This causes the acceleration of cellular processes, as well as the acceleration of the process of tissue healing, and this whole process is called (cavitation).
Ultrasound session uses
- Anti-inflammatory, swelling and pain reliever.
- Tissue micro-massage.
- Improving blood and lymph circulation.
- Improving micro-circulation.
- Relax the muscles.
- Increased muscle perfusion.
- Promote bone fracture healing.
- Activate cellular metabolism and promote repair.
- Activation of metabolic processes.
- Relaxation of the connective tissue.
- Aiding resorption.
- Changing the permeability of cellular membranes and others.
- Change in the action of enzymes, whether by inhibition or activation.