Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound Therapy using an Ultrasound Machine has been in practice for a prolonged period of time. It is being extensively used in physical therapy as a result of its favorable benefits. The conventional method of physical therapy used ice packs and other cold therapies to heal. However, over time, heat therapy has proven to give better results. Ultrasound Therapy, as the name suggests, uses sound waves in various frequencies that create heat. The warmth thus created helps people in healing from various kinds of problems. The Ultrasound machine is used by the direct application on the affected area of the body, using a kind of gel. It creates heat in that local area, concentrating on a particular point to give faster results.

How Does an Ultrasound Machine Work?

This therapy involves the use of an Ultrasound probe that directly contacts the injured area. The probe's head contains vibrating crystals, which generate sound waves upon the creation of an electric field.

These sound waves reach the injured area and cause the surrounding tissues to vibrate, resulting in a warm sensation. The generated heat expands the blood vessels in the vicinity, facilitating increased blood flow and expediting the typically sluggish healing process.

To minimize friction and allow the sound waves to pass through effectively, a gel is applied to the injured area. The probe is then maneuvered in a circular motion around the affected region.

What is Ultrasound Therapy used for?

Ultrasound Therapy through an Ultrasound Machine is a fantastic device to reduce inflammation in your tissue and reduce pain, additionally the devices are known to improve blood circulation to the area which helps with healing.

Find out how an ultrasound machine works here. Some other benefits are:

• Reduces scar tissue.
• Pain relief.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Easy to use for almost any area of the body.
• Perfect for Shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain, knee pain, joint pain and many more.

Click the link to find out more about the 3MHz Ultrasound Machine. During the treatment on your face, high levels of sound waves are used to penetrate deep below the surface of your skin on the face. This therapy promotes cellular repair and renewal, increasing the blood flow to the area of use. Found out more about Ultrasound beauty treatment. Some additional Benefits include:

• Tones facial muscle.
• Increase blood circulation.
• Combat’s puffiness.
• Improves product penetration for other skin care products.
• Reduces Acne
• Exfoliates dead skin cells.

Our Ultrasound machines are also fantastic for facial treatment and beauty – the machine perfect for this is our 1MHz Ultrasound Machine

What else can my portable ultrasound machine help with?

Whilst our devices are fantastic for treatment used to relieve pain but also promote tissue healing, unfortunately it is not effective against all Chronic pain conditions, however it will help reduce the amount of pain for these types of conditions:

•     Phantom limb pain
•     Osteoarthritis
•     Myofascial pain syndrome
•     Carpel tunnel syndrome
•     Bursitis
•     Rheumatoid Arthritis

Are there any studies on Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines?

You can find further studies on Ultrasound Therapy having significantly reduced pain and improved joint functions in patients that were tested. These patients suffer from moderate to severe Osteoarthritis knee pain. Studies can be found here.

How to use your Ultrasound Therapy Device?

The way to use our Ultrasound devices:

Step 1: Apply Ultrasound Gel to the area of focus.

Step 2: Move the transducer (head of the ultrasound device) back and forth over the gel, make sure you do not keep the device still.

Step 3: Depending on the specific condition, it may be worth adjusting the depth of penetration. Each one of our Ultrasounds comes with a manual and guidelines on how to use the machine for specific conditions, pain or for beauty purposes.
Types of Ultrasound Therapy

There are two main types of Ultrasound Therapy and they are

Thermal Ultrasound Therapy:  This type of therapy focuses on increasing the power of the soft tissue to heal itself. The sound waves in such therapy are even and persistent. They cause minor vibrations in the soft tissue resulting in heat and friction.

Mechanical Ultrasound Therapy:  In this therapy, the sound waves are irregular and throbbing in nature. It is best used to reduce inflammation in the tissues and reduce pain.

Ultrasound Machine can be used in the following conditions

• Soft Tissue Damage
• Chronic connective tissue and joint dysfunction
• Osteoarthritis
• Periarthritis
• Bursitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Tendonitis
• Chronic Sprains / Strains
• Muscle Spasms

This therapy is also known to work its miracle on patients who suffer from chronic pains who have not benefited from any other treatment.

Therapeutic ultrasound machines are commonly employed treatment method in physical therapy, aimed at addressing chronic pain and facilitating tissue healing. It involves the application of deep heat to soft tissues within the body, including muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. It is important to note that therapeutic ultrasound should not be confused with diagnostic ultrasound, which is used for internal visualization, such as monitoring fetal development during pregnancy.

Throughout its history, ultrasound has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in physical therapy by enhancing blood circulation and expediting the healing process more effectively than conventional approaches. While it may not be suitable for all types of chronic pain conditions, ultrasound therapy proves particularly beneficial for the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Sprains of the limbs
• Myofascial pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pain resulting from scars
• Phantom limb pain

Ultrasound therapy is a versatile treatment method that can be applied to various soft-tissue injuries in the body. It proves beneficial in addressing conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff tears, knee meniscus tears, ankle sprains, muscle strains and tears, frozen shoulder, ligament injuries, and joint contracture or tightness.

By enhancing blood flow, ultrasound therapy effectively reduces local swelling and chronic inflammation. Additionally, certain medical studies suggest that it can also aid in promoting the healing of bone fractures. However, it is important to note that ultrasound therapy is a passive treatment approach. While it remains popular in fields like sports and medicine, it is recognized that active exercise and self-care rehabilitation are more effective when combined with ultrasound therapy.

How is Ultrasound Therapy Performed?

Within an ultrasound unit, there exists a small crystal that, when subjected to an electrical charge, vibrates rapidly, generating piezoelectric waves. Before commencing the ultrasound therapy, a gel is applied either to the affected area of the skin or to the transducer head. This gel aids in the even penetration of the sound waves into the skin. During the treatment, the therapist continuously moves the transducer head in a sweeping motion over and around the targeted region.

The type of ultrasound therapy employed depends on the specific condition being treated. In the case of myofascial pain or an unresolved muscle strain or sprain, thermal ultrasound therapy is typically utilized. On the other hand, if the pain is attributed to scar tissue or swelling, as seen in carpal tunnel syndrome, mechanical ultrasound therapy may be more beneficial.

The distinction between thermal and mechanical ultrasound therapy lies in the rate at which the sound waves penetrate the tissues.

• Thermal Ultrasound Therapy: Thermal ultrasound therapy uses a continuous transmission of sound waves. The sound waves cause microscopic vibrations in the deep tissue molecules, increasing heat and friction. The warming effect encourages healing in the soft tissues by increasing the metabolism at the level of the tissue cells. This happens as a result of the ‘deep heating effect’ in the body.

• Mechanical Ultrasound Therapy: Mechanical ultrasound therapy uses pulses of sound waves to penetrate tissues. Besides having a minor warming effect on the tissues, this technique also causes expansion and contraction in the tiny gas bubbles of the soft tissues. This helps to decrease the inflammatory response, reducing tissue swelling and thus decreasing pain. This process is called ‘Cavitation’.

What Does Ultrasound Feel Like?

During an ultrasound treatment, it is unlikely that one will feel any discomfort, except for a possible mild warming sensation or tingling in the treated area. This is because the transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that are only perceptible if they encounter a dense object, such as muscles beneath the skin.

However, it is important to note that leaving the ultrasound head stationary on the skin without proper circular movement can cause discomfort or pain. If this occurs, it is crucial to immediately inform the therapist. Nonetheless, ultrasound therapy is generally considered safe and harmless in the realm of physical therapy.

Occasionally, in an attempt to capture attention, therapists may inadvertently create a misconception that ultrasound therapy can be painful. However, it is essential to understand that any injury resulting from ultrasound is solely the responsibility of the therapist and not inherent to the treatment itself.

Precautions to Consider Regarding Ultrasound Therapy

Cancer: Ultrasound machines should not be utilized in areas affected by cancer. As it can potentially increase cellular activity, there is a risk of promoting metastasis in the cancerous tissues.

Children: Ultrasound has the potential to harm developing bones and disrupt skeletal structure, which can adversely impact bone growth. Therefore, it should not be applied to children whose bones are not fully matured.

Proximity to the Eyes: Direct contact between ultrasound and the eyes can lead to damage to the retina or lens. Care should be taken to avoid exposing the eyes to ultrasound waves.

Decreased Sensitivity Areas: If an injury or condition hampers the ability to perceive normal hot and cold sensations, ultrasound therapy should be avoided. Without the ability to report discomfort or burning sensations, it is important for the individual to communicate with their physical therapist during treatment.

Areas near the Heart: Some instances have shown that ultrasound may affect the electrical signals surrounding the heart. If a pacemaker is present, ultrasound can potentially interfere with its proper functioning.

Additionally, it is crucial to strictly avoid ultrasound therapy in the following situations:

• Open wounds
• Areas with metal implants, such as after a total knee replacement or lumbar fusion
• During pregnancy
• In proximity to sexual organs
• Over or near implanted electrical stimulation devices, among others.

The Placebo Effect

Ultrasound therapy has been widely used as a safe treatment in physical therapy for many years. However, recent studies examining its effectiveness in accelerating healing have revealed that, with the exception of shoulder pain, ultrasound does not contribute significantly to faster recovery.

Nevertheless, numerous physical therapists continue to incorporate ultrasound as a key component of treatment, and many individuals perceive positive outcomes from its use. This can be attributed to the placebo effect.

The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a perceived improvement in one's condition occurs simply because a treatment is administered. When a physical therapist suggests that ultrasound treatments can enhance recovery, it can lead to a psychological sense of improvement after receiving such treatments. While the placebo effect can be advantageous in promoting mental and physical healing, it is important to be aware that unethical therapists may potentially persuade individuals into unnecessary ultrasound therapy.

It is essential to have an understanding of the placebo effect and exercise caution to ensure that ultrasound therapy is employed based on sound medical judgment rather than relying solely on psychological influence.

Ultrasound Machines for Chronic Pain

Ultrasound therapy can offer potential benefits for individuals experiencing chronic pain. The application of ultrasound waves can enhance tissue extensibility and promote improved blood circulation.

As a result, mobility may increase, leading to a reduction in pain levels. While ultrasound therapy may not yield the same positive outcomes for everyone, it is worth considering if you have been grappling with chronic pain for an extended period. When the appropriate treatment is identified, ultrasound therapy has the potential to provide relief and support your journey towards improved well-being.

How does Ultrasound Gel work?

Ultrasound Therapy machines produce soundwaves to pass through the skin. Ultrasound sound waves find it a little difficult to travel through the air and Ultrasound gel is used to reduce the air between the user and the transducer, allowing the sound waves to pass through the skin much easier.

The Ultrasound Gel we recommend can be found here: Ultrasound Therapy Gel

How Can Ultrasound therapy help with Knee Pain?

Ultrasound Therapy is known to help significantly reduce pain and improve joint function on users for those suffering from moderate to severe Osteoarthritis knee pain and joint pain. Long-duration low intensity ultrasound therapy has been studied and noted to help those who suffer from these conditions.

Those who would rather avoid conservative pharmaceutical and invasive treatment options have the availability of at-home ultrasound machines.  

Further studies can be found here

How can Ultrasound therapy help with Soft Tissue?

Ultrasound Therapy machines from 1-3 MHZ have been used for decades by physical therapists, health care providers and athletic trainers to relieve pain and facilitate the healing processes.

The low intensity ultrasound devices have been shown to improve collagen alignment and stimulate cell proliferation. Ultrasound machines have been known to improve healing in four soft tissue structures – tendon, muscle, ligament and tendon-bone junctions.

Ultrasound therapy also helps relieve Shoulder pain and Frozen Shoulder?

So what is Frozen shoulder? – This is the common name for adhesive capsulitis which is a shoulder condition that limits range of motion. This happens when the tissues in your shoulder joint become thicker and tighter with scar tissue developing over time. This results in your shoulder joint not having enough space to rotate and perform efficiently.
Common symptoms of this include: pain, swelling and stiffness. You’re more likely to have a condition like this if you’re between the ages of 40-60.

Ultrasound Therapy for Frozen shoulder or Shoulder Pain

Therapeutic Ultrasound is incredibly popular when using to treat chronic pains, shoulder pains, frozen shoulder, joint pains, knee pains and much more. Ultrasound Therapy promotes tissue healing andit also is recommended if you experience frozen shoulder or shoulder pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Ultrasound Therapy machine on my neck?

Yes, our portable ultrasound device can certainly be used on your neck.

Can I use my Ultrasound Therapy machine on my shoulder?

That is correct, our ultrasound therapy devices can indeed by used on your shoulder and your shoulder blade.

Is there a difference between 1MHz and 3MHz Ultrasound devices?

Yes, 1MHz has a different depth of penetration to our 3MHz devices.

You can find out more here: What's the difference between a 1mhz and 3 mhz ultrasound machine

What device is best for facial treatment?

Our 3MHz ultrasound device is best for beauty and facial treatment due to the depth of treatment needed, fantastic for reduction in scar tissue and acne.

What Ultrasound device is best for joint pain?

Our 1MHz ultrasound device is fantastic for joint pain and any other pain as it can treat deeper into the body compared to the 3MHz.

Is Ultrasound Therapy painful?

No, Ultrasound therapy should not bring on any additional pain.