Is Therapeutic Ultrasound Right For You?

Ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose and monitor diseases, but they can also be used to treat certain conditions. Therapeutic ultrasounds are considered safe for treating soft tissue injuries. If you are interested in using therapeutic ultrasound to help treat a recent injury, here is what you need to know.  

Why Use Therapeutic Ultrasound?

An ultrasound can aid your recovery in a number of ways. For instance, it helps to improve blood circulation, which is key to promoting wellness. It also can help decrease your recovery time. Your doctor can provide you with an estimate of how much shorter your recovery period will be after assessing the extent of your injury.  

Therapeutic ultrasound also can help with relaxing and heating tissue. The improved blood circulation and relaxed tissue can decrease the likelihood that you will suffer permanent scarring from your injury.  

If you suffer from injuries, such as muscle spasms and tendonitis, the ultrasound will help with inflammation and swelling that can cause discomfort and impact your ability to function normally throughout the day.  

Are There Drawbacks?

Although there are many benefits to therapeutic ultrasounds, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, there are limitations on who can use this form of therapy. If you are pregnant or have a bone fracture, your doctor will likely recommend another therapy.  

The ultrasound relies on thermal heat to break down the tissue and encourage healing. As the tissue is broken down, any malignancies within the tissue can spread throughout the body. For that reason, if you have an infection or cancerous tissue, your doctor might discourage using the therapy.  

Is Therapeutic Ultrasound Used Alone?

Therapeutic ultrasound is sometimes used alone, but it is often used in conjunction with other types of treatment. The additional treatment your doctor recommends depends largely on the type of injury you have and the severity of it.  

For instance, if you have a back injury, your doctor will likely recommend chiropractic care to help improve your mobility and flexibility. Anti-inflammatory medications might also be recommended to help alleviate inflammation and swelling if the symptoms are present.

Therapeutic ultrasound has other uses that your doctor can discuss with you. If he or she recommends the therapy, your doctor can explain whether or not he or she feels that you could experience any side effects. While undergoing therapy, it is important to keep your doctor informed of any issues you have. Contact a company like EVDI Medical Imaging to learn more.


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