Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound machines have also been found to be therapeutic in nature and have become a staple in various types of treatment like occupational therapy and physical therapy. You can stay safe and boost recovery by knowing the process and understanding how the equipments work. Several conditions and anomalies can actually be treated effectively by ultrasound machines. Here is a complete list of the functions and conditions.

Areas to Treat

Musculoskeletal pain is the most usual condition treated by ultrasound machines. Muscle spasm is described as persistent and painful shortness and tension in muscles. Contractures from enhanced muscle tone can be treated since it can extend the tissue and boost its range of motion. Nerve root impingement or compression, plus neuritis types or nerve inflammation can also be treated since heated tissues will promote blood flow and healing.

Bursitis is described as inflammation of the bursa, the sac filled with fluid between the bone and the tendon. Herniated discs can also be treated, although there are special precautions regarding scanning directly over the spinal cord among patients with back problems or history of back surgery. Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon which can also be treated by heat.

More Conditions to Treat

Sprains can be treated using ultrasound therapy. The problem is described as laceration and painful wrenching of joint ligaments. Patients with frozen should or adhesive capsulitis can benefit as the treatment enhances range of motion. Shoulder pain and stiffness will therefore improve. Arthritis or joint inflammation can be treated effectively through thermotherapy. The specific conditions that can improve include osteoarthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and Reiter's syndrome. Rotator cuff injury can improve, as well as contusions and whiplash.

Fibromyalgia is defined as a rheumatic problem wherein the person experiences, fatigue, lack of sleep and generalized muscle pain. This can be treated using ultrasound machines. TMJ disorder, myofascial pain syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus can also benefit from ultrasound therapy. Trigger points where muscle spasms are localized can be alleviated by heat. Phantom limb pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome are other cases that should be treated using ultrasound interventions.

The Known Risks

Although ultrasound machines are generally considered safe, there are more risks involved during the treatment function, compared to the diagnostic function, since heat is directly applied on the affected areas. The kind of diathermy or thermotherapy is not recommended in areas near tumors and areas of bone overgrowth like Paget's disease, over a pregnant woman's abdomen, over the eyes, heart, reproductive parts and bony areas and over areas of infections or where there are oozing wounds.

The transducer should not be placed directly over children's growing bones, near pacemakers of the heart and other implanted devices inside the body, near an exposed spinal cord among patients with a laminectomy, near metallic implants like joint replacements unless allowed by the physician. Patients with impaired sensation due to diabetic neuropathy are also contraindicated.

You should feel no pain throughout the procedure. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel or notice anything unusual. Side effects are also not common during and after the procedure. Report immediately to your doctor any abnormalities that may arise after receiving treatment. Do not hesitate to ask your doctors for tips and answers for all your concerns for optimum and immediate recovery.