Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to warm muscles, tendons and ligaments below the skin, which may help reduce pain and stiffness. It is not the imaging ultrasound used in pregnancy. Rob Jordan, PT, may include it in your plan at our Hot Springs, Arkansas clinic.
How the sound waves work
The applicator sends sound waves into the tissue. They make the tissue vibrate, and the friction from that vibration raises its temperature. A heating pack warms the surface, but ultrasound reaches the deeper tissues.
Your physical therapist puts gel on the applicator to cut down friction and help the waves pass into your skin. The waves are then absorbed by your tendons, ligaments and connective tissues.
Two ways it can help
Ultrasound has a heat effect and an effect that has nothing to do with heat.
Heat
Heat in deep tissue may reduce pain, increase blood flow and make muscles easier to stretch. It can also loosen tight muscles and tendons.
Beyond heat
The energy can form tiny gas bubbles near the tissue that expand and contract quickly, called cavitation. This may help with damaged tissue such as scar tissue and loosen muscles.
Problems ultrasound is used for
It is not limited to one body area, so it shows up in many plans.
Joints and tendons
- Arthritis, see Arthritis & Joint Pain
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Frozen shoulder, see Shoulder Pain
Muscles and injuries
- Muscle spasms
- Fractures, once cleared for treatment
- Sprains, strains and tears, see Sports Injury Rehab
How we decide if it belongs in your plan
At your first visit, the physical therapist examines you to work out what is going on and how it should be treated. The plan also takes in your medical history and any health restrictions you have. Ultrasound is used only if it suits your condition, and it is usually combined with Therapeutic Exercise and other care rather than used alone.
Therapeutic ultrasound care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Therapeutic ultrasound at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.