Portable Ultrasound Machines

Portable Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound Therapy employs mechanical vibrations at varying frequencies, falling outside the typical human sound range of 16 Hz to approximately 15-20,000 Hz. These frequencies, usually between 1.0 and 3.0 (1 MHz equals 1 million cycles per second), are instrumental in therapy. When ultrasound waves are applied to tissue, they induce micro-vibrations within, generating heat energy. 
This localized heat enhances blood circulation, elevating oxygen and chemical levels in the targeted area, promoting tissue healing. Ultrasound expedites the transfer of chemicals from the bloodstream to the damaged tissue, aiding the healing process by facilitating new tissue formation and ensuring proper alignment of tissue fibers for optimal flexibility and strength restoration.

Ultrasound Therapy accelerates the body's healing and tissue regeneration processes effectively. Utilizing ultrasound machines, practitioners have employed this therapeutic technique extensively in physical therapy, observing its significant benefits. In contrast to traditional cold therapies employing ice packs, Ultrasound Therapy, as suggested by its name, utilizes sound waves at various frequencies to generate heat. This localized warmth aids in the healing of diverse ailments. The ultrasound machine is applied directly to the affected body area with the use of a gel, generating heat at the specific point of focus for faster and targeted 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, the Ultrasound 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, facilitated through specialized ultrasound machines, effectively reduces tissue inflammation and alleviates pain. These devices enhance blood circulation in the targeted area, promoting accelerated healing.

To understand the functioning of an ultrasound machine, follow this link. The advantages of ultrasound therapy encompass:

• Scar tissue reduction
• Pain relief
• Enhanced blood circulation
• Versatility for treating various body areas
• Particularly beneficial for shoulder, neck, back, knee, and joint pain, among others
  

3MHz Ultrasound Machine would be the most suitable machine for you if you aim to take advantage of those above. 

During facial treatment, high-frequency sound waves penetrate deep into the facial skin, stimulating cellular repair and rejuvenation. This process heightens blood flow in the treated area. Additional benefits of this treatment include:

• Toning facial muscles
• Reducing puffiness
• Enhancing product penetration for skincare products
• Exfoliating dead skin cells
• Combating acne

Our ultrasound machines are ideal for facial treatments and beauty care, with the 1MHz Ultrasound Machine being particularly suitable.

Ultrasound Therapy serves as a valuable treatment to promote tissue healing and pain relief. While it may not be universally effective for chronic pain conditions, it proves beneficial for specific ailments, such as:

• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Phantom Limb Pain

Ultrasound proves highly beneficial for individuals seeking treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The ultrasound therapy machine offers targeted pain relief by addressing injuries or tissues at the root of the pain, reaching up to 7cm deep for effective therapy. It expedites the healing process by inducing tissue heating and augmenting blood circulation, aiding in injury rehabilitation and recovery.

For this type of ultrasound therapy, explore our 1MHz Ultrasound Machine range.

What else can my portable ultrasound machine help with?

Ultrasound Therapy is a treatment used to promote tissue healing and relieve pain. Whilst ultrasound is not effective for all chronic pain conditions, it may help in reducing the pain if you have the following conditions, to name a few:

• Bursitis
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Phantom Limb Pain
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Leg Pain & Cramp Relief

The Ultrasound therapy machine also helps with the following:

Targeted pain relief - treat injury or tissue with ultrasound at the source of your pain for effective therapy up to 7cm deep.
Speed healing - ultrasound is used in physical therapy to treat pain, spasms & inflammation. Ultrasound promotes tissue heating & increased blood circulation to speed the recovery process & injury rehab.

This type of Ultrasound Machines is our 1MHz Ultrasound Machine range. 

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:

1. Step 1: Apply Ultrasound Gel to the area of focus.
2. 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.
3. 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 for the following additional 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 works very well on patients who suffer from chronic pains who have not benefited from any other treatment, as mentioned earlier on this page. 
Therapeutic ultrasound machines are commonly employed treatment methods 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. 

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.

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 does Ultrasound heal Soft Tissue?

When soft tissue is exposed to Ultrasound therapy, the sound waves from the device whilst using the Ultrasound gel cause micro vibrations within the tissue.
These micro vibrations create quite a bit of heat energy which as a result increases the blood flow to the specific area of focus. This increased blood flow due to the micro vibrations causes an increase in the level of oxygen and chemicals to the treated area. This process is essentially helping heal and relieve pain in any damaged tissue within that area. Ultrasound Therapy is widely used by athletes, physios, sports therapists and many more – this is due to the effectiveness of the treatment and how it can be widely used for other things such as pain relief.

Find out more about Soft Tissue Injuries and Types of Treatment.

What are the advantages of using an Ultrasound Machine?

This isn't any usual Ultrasound machine – this machine is designed for several reasons: pain relief, tissue healing and many more benefits, this of course depends on the device you decide to buy.

- 1 MHZ Ultrasound Machine = Pain Relief & Speed Healing

- 3 MHZ Ultrasound Machine = Perfect for Body Tissue, Muscles and Tendons. 

Both of these machines above have different benefits. 1 MHZ Ultrasound penetrates up to 7.5cm into body tissues, muscles & tendons.  Our 3MHz Ultrasound device penetrates up to 2.5cm into the body - this is more widely used for Facial and Beauty treatment. 

The technology focuses beams of Ultrasound energy precisely and accurately on specific areas of the body (treated area) and can focus on tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues to help promote the growth of new connective tissue. This process enables improvements without the need for any surgery, which many of our users prefer.

Primary options for treatment of soft tissue injuries usually include invasive surgery and heavy doses of medication, however this avoids both methods. For a lot of patients or users, focused ultrasound therapy could provide a non-invasive alternative to surgery with far less risk of complications. The devices can reach the desired area of treatment without damaging or injuring surrounding tissue and is repeatable.

Due to the benefits of Ultrasound Therapy, high quality machines received the CE mark in Europe for widespread use on musculoskeletal injuries.

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. Find out more about Frozen Shoulder Treatment and how Ultrasound Machines can help. 

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?

A 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. If you read our manual, it will mention that an ultrasound machine should never be kept still/stationery during treatment.