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Ultrasound technology is most notably used in diagnostic applications, for gaining sight into the soft tissues of the body (such as checking on fetal development during pregnancy). However, ultrasound technology can be used for a lot more than that. Chiropractors and physical therapists have been using ultrasound technology as a therapeutic treatment to apply “deep heat” to the soft tissues within various muscles, joints, or ligaments in the body. Ultrasound therapy is never the sole treatment, but rather a complementary therapy that can be used alongside chiropractic care, physical therapy, or other alternative care treatments. Learn more about this alternative approach to pain management, and why ultrasound therapy can be applied with other chiropractic treatments for more effective relief from pain and discomfort. What does ultrasound therapy treat? Ultrasound therapy is most commonly used for musculoskeletal injuries such as: • Bursitis • Muscle pain • Tendonitis • Low back pain • Neck and shoulder pain • Ankle sprains • Joint damage or inflammation What is “deep heat”? Deep heat effects are the most common therapeutic use of ultrasound technology. Ultrasound technology can safely increase internal tissue temperatures which can reduce pain and soreness. Injured or overworked tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints can all benefit from deep heat. Deep heating can also improve the elasticity of tight muscles. For patients suffering from a limited range of motion in knee, should, or hip joints, ultrasound technology may be recommended before stretching exercises. Ultrasound’s deep heat effects are not unlike those of a heating pad or hot water bottle. However, ultrasound therapy has the unique added benefit of being able to reach deeper tissues that may not benefit from surface heating tools. What are the purported benefits of using ultrasound therapy? Many physical therapists and chiropractors use ultrasound therapy as a way to help promote: ? Pain relief from musculoskeletal injuries ? Reduce tissue inflammation ? Provide heated relief ? Increase blood flow in a localized area ? Break down scar tissue formation How does ultrasound technology produce this heat? A tiny crystal lies inside your chiropractor’s ultrasound unit. When electrical charges are applied, it vibrates extremely quickly, producing something known as “piezoelectric” waves. These waves are directed through the unit’s ultrasound wand as ultrasound waves. The term “ultrasound” means the waves created are just pass that of which humans can hear (or over 20kHz). The waves reach the injured tissues and can increase blood flow, which gives ultrasound therapy its pain relief benefits. Am I a candidate for ultrasound therapy? Generally, ultrasound is a safe treatment for adults with good overall health. However, if you are a cancer patient, under the age of 18, pregnant, or have circulation problems, you should avoid ultrasound therapy. In addition, ultrasound therapy should never be used around the eyes, heart, reproductive organs, or areas with total joint replacement (such as a replaced knee or hip). Contact Doyle Chiropractic to Learn More Are you interested in learning more about ultrasound therapy? If you are in the Roanoke, TX, area and are looking for alternative approaches to pain management, call Doyle Chiropractic at 817-767-5430. At a consultation with Dr. Cody Doyle, you can learn more about our complementary therapies (such as ultrasound therapy) which can be combined with treatments like chiropractic care, myofascial release, or acupuncture to speed healing and promote comfort.
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chiropractic care, alternative medicine, muscle pain, ultrasound therapy, physical therapy,
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