Ultrasound treatment – £1 a minute

What is ultrasound used for?

Ultrasound is an electrotherapy modality used by physiotherapists to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal complaints including:

• Ligament sprains
• Muscle and tendon tears
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow
• Trapped nerves
• Break-down of scar tissue
• Inflammation
• Acute, sub-acute and chronic pain

How does it work?

The treatment head of the ultrasound delivers sound waves deep into the affected tissues.  The waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the treatment head.

As the sound waves pass through the skin they cause vibration of the local tissues.  These vibrations vary according to the frequency applied and can bring about effects such as:                                                                             

What does it involve?

The area to be treated is exposed and treatment gel (similar to KY jelly) is put on the skin.  A treatment head is gently massaged slowly over the affected area.  It is the same set up as diagnostic ultrasound used to scan internal organs and babies during pregnancy, but the sound wave frequency used is set to a therapeutic frequency (0.8 – 3.0 MHz).

Will it be painful?

During the treatment you will only feel the gentle pressure of the ultrasound head over your skin.  Occasionally you will feel a warm build up in your tissues as blood comes to the area to advance the healing process.

How many treatments do I need?

It is variable according to the nature and duration of your condition.  Often ultrasound can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapeutic techniques.  Generally acute injuries require fewer but more frequent treatments e.g. 3 – 4 treatments over 2 weeks.  A more chronic complaint such as osteoarthritis may require more treatments but less frequently e.g. 5 – 6 treatments once a week.

How long does a treatment last?

It is variable according to the nature and duration of your condition.  Usually the more acute conditions / larger areas being treated increase the treatment times.  The ultrasound machine is programmed to deliver the exact dose and ultrasonic frequency specific to the individual.  Most treatments take between 10 and 15 minutes.

Is there any reason why I may not have Ultrasound?

Ultrasound can not be applied over: