Ultrasound therapy is the use of sound waves to treat medical problems, and in particular those conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. It is a technique increasingly offered by chiropractors who recognize the benefits it can offer patients.
What Is Ultrasound Therapy and How Does It Work?
Ultrasound therapy is a completely non-invasive and drug-free treatment, making it a popular choice among patients looking for a more natural way to alleviate symptoms.
Most people know of ultrasound as a way to diagnose and monitor pregnancy. However, it has many other applications including healing and regeneration. Ultrasound therapy in chiropractic care is used to stimulate blood flow, which in turn helps to decrease inflammation, increase tissue relaxation, and break down internal scar tissue so that patients can enjoy greater mobility. This process also speeds up the rate of healing of musculoskeletal injuries and may even promote bone fracture healing.
One of the main ways ultrasound therapy helps is through increased blood flow, which stimulates the release of endorphins, while the reduction in inflammation also helps to counteract pain.
Ultrasound therapy is carried out much as you would expect: your chiropractor applies a special conductive gel to a handheld device, which is then placed onto the target area. The gel helps the sound waves conduct more effectively. As they pass into the skin, the waves cause vibrations and you may experience some slight warmth and tingling, but this shouldn't be painful.
What Conditions Can Ultrasound Therapy Treat?
- Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the joints when protective cartilage wears down over time.
- Myofascial pain – Affects the connective tissue that covers the muscles and is extremely painful.
- Bursitis – Affects the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – Causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, hands, wrists, and lower arms due to pressure on the median nerve.
- Strains and sprains – Extremely common injuries that can occur as a result of repetitive use of a joint, or due to a slip, trip, or fall.
| Approach | What it involves |
|---|---|
| What it does | Sound waves create deep warmth that eases muscle and joint pain |
| What it feels like | A warm, painless sensation as the wand moves over the area |
| Best paired with | Adjustments and exercise for lasting results |