MOD212 – Ultrasound Therapy

Definition:

Ultrasound Therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat deep tissue injuries, reduce pain, and promote healing. It involves the application of sound waves through a transducer to penetrate soft tissues, creating thermal and non-thermal effects to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

Explanation:

Ultrasound Therapy works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body through a handheld transducer. These waves, typically between 0.8 to 3.3 MHz, create two main effects:

Thermal Effects: The sound waves cause microscopic vibrations in the deep tissue molecules, creating heat. This heat can:

• Increase blood flow
• Reduce muscle spasms
• Increase tissue elasticity

Non-thermal Effects (Cavitation): The sound waves create tiny gas bubbles in the tissues that expand and contract rapidly, which can:

• Alter cell membrane permeability
• Stimulate tissue repair and cell growth
• Enhance the inflammatory response

Ultrasound Therapy is typically applied in the following ways:

1. Direct contact method: The transducer is moved in a circular motion over the target area, with a coupling gel to ensure good contact.
2. Underwater method: The body part and transducer are submerged in water, useful for treating irregular body surfaces.

Sessions usually last 5-10 minutes and may be repeated several times a week, depending on the condition being treated.

Ultrasound Therapy is commonly used to treat:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Joint contractures
• Scar tissue
• Chronic inflammation

It’s important to note that while Ultrasound Therapy is widely used, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercise, manual therapy, and other modalities.

Evidence to Efficacy:

The evidence for the efficacy of Ultrasound Therapy is mixed, with some studies showing benefits and others finding no significant effect. Here’s a summary of some key findings:

1. A systematic review by Ebadi et al. (2014) published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found low-quality evidence that therapeutic ultrasound may have a small effect on improving pain in people with chronic low back pain.
2. Research by Cakir et al. (2014) in the Clinical Rehabilitation journal found that ultrasound therapy combined with exercise was more effective than sham ultrasound and exercise for improving pain and function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
3. A study by Yildiz et al. (2015) in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed that ultrasound therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
4. More recently, a meta-analysis by Zhang et al. (2016) in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that ultrasound therapy may be beneficial for patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly in terms of pain relief and functional improvement.

Governing Body:

Ultrasound Therapy is primarily administered by physiotherapists as part of their broader treatment plans. As such, it falls under the governance of physiotherapy regulatory bodies in the UK.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP): Provides guidelines on the use of electrophysical agents, including ultrasound, in physiotherapy practice.

What Good Looks Like:

A high-quality Ultrasound Therapy experience should encompass several key elements:

Treatment Application:

• Proper selection of ultrasound frequency and intensity based on the condition
• Correct application technique (circular movements, appropriate speed)
• Appropriate duration of treatment (typically 5-10 minutes per area)
• Regular checks on patient comfort

Patient Experience:

• Sensation of warmth in the treated area
• No pain or discomfort during treatment
• Gradual improvement in symptoms over the course of treatments

A good Ultrasound Therapy experience should leave the patient feeling that their condition has been thoroughly addressed, with a clear understanding of how the treatment fits into their overall care plan. The practitioner should demonstrate knowledge, skill, and attentiveness throughout the process, ensuring both the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

What to Ask a Practitioner:

“How do you determine if ultrasound therapy is appropriate for my condition?”

Desired answer: Explanation of their assessment process and consideration of contraindications.

“What specific ultrasound parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) do you use for my condition, and why?”

Desired answer: A detailed explanation tailored to your individual needs and condition.

“What should I expect to feel during and after the ultrasound treatment?”

Desired answer: Clear description of expected sensations and potential after-effects.

“How do you measure the effectiveness of the ultrasound treatments?”

Desired answer: Explanation of their assessment methods and criteria for improvement.

“What are the potential risks or side effects of ultrasound therapy?”

Desired answer: Honest discussion of possible risks and how they’re mitigated.

Resources for further information:

Physiopedia – Provides detailed information on ultrasound therapy for healthcare professionals and interested individuals.

“Electrotherapy Explained: Principles and Practice” by Val Robertson et al. – A comprehensive book on various forms of electrotherapy, including ultrasound.

Related Therapies:

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (MOD216): TENS is a pain relief method that uses low-voltage electrical currents applied through electrodes on the skin to stimulate nerves and reduce pain signals or alter pain perception.

Massage Therapy (MOD097): This hands-on therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can enhance the effects of Reiki by addressing physical discomfort and improving circulation.

Heat Therapy (MOD210): Use of heat to treat muscles, joints, and tissues to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and improve flexibility.

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