Ultrasound refers to mechanical vibrations which are essentially the same as sound waves but of a higher frequency. The sound waves involve vibratory motion of molecules. This vibration creates energy and movement which in turn creates heat.
Therapeutic Effects:-
- Heating can decrease pain and muscle spasm
- Heating structures such as joint capsule, ligaments, tendons and scar tissue can increase their extensibility and hence decrease joint stiffness
- Increases the strength of collagen tissue
- Encourages the growth of new capillaries in ischaemic (no blood supply) tissue
- Promotes bone healing and growth, especially in a non-union fracture
- Breaks up scar tissue
- Can be used to help diagnose stress fractures
- The heating of the tissues increases blood flow for promoting tissue healing