If you are like most people, you have probably heard about or seen ultrasound technology being used in medical facilities only as a way of visualizing the inner mechanisms of the human body, such as internal organs, systems, abnormalities, and (perhaps the most popular of all), fetuses within expectant mothers. Diagnostic sonograms offer health professionals a non-invasive means of examining the body.
Visit a multidisciplinary health facility that specializes in treating all kinds of back and body pains, however, and you will discover how ultrasound can actually be utilized to accomplish something more — ultrasound therapy, which collectively refers to different types and modalities of therapeutic ultrasonic procedures, can be performed by a physical therapist to relieve various kinds of back pain. It has been in use for several decades.
How does ultrasound work?
A special gel is applied to the skin on the affected area of the body; the ultrasound machine, in the shape of a wand, is thenmoved continuously over the said body part toadminister sound waves that vibrate through the body’s soft tissues. These vibrations result in the increase of heat within the tissues that works to improve blood flow. Depending on the patient’s condition, the intensity of the energy from the machine or the frequency can be modified to achieve the intended results.
Can it be effective for back pain?
People who are experiencing back pain caused by issues like osteoarthritis, pinched nerves, herniated discs and degenerative spine conditions stand to benefit much from the use of therapeutic ultrasound Back pain NYC pain specialists say, can leave an individual unable to function properly for prolonged periods of time, and ultrasound therapy can ultimately help them regain mobility, flexibility, strength and range of motion through the correct application of the device and technology.
The heat produced by ultrasound can relax tight muscles and enable them to stretch better. It can also help ease the pressure placed on nerves and spinal structures, which are common conditions in people with compressive pain disorders like herniated discs and sciatica.
When used with a very high frequency, ultrasound is able to stimulate the body’s tissues, reduce pain, break down scar tissue, and promote effective healing. Conditions like musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis and tendonitis can also be treated. And patients can experience advantages such as reduced irritation in the nerve roots, faster metabolism, improved circulation, and reduced chronic swelling and inflammation.
In some studies, it is suggested that using ultrasound helps the body produce more collagen, the main protein that makes up tendons and ligaments in the body, and facilitate accelerated healing in tissues.
Ultrasound can also be used in conjunction with other kinds of passive therapy like electrotherapy and heat or ice packs.
If you have been suffering from chronic low back pain and related symptoms, it’s best to get in touch with a trusted physical therapist to see if you can benefit from ultrasound therapy.
