Introduction
The use of ultrasound in medicine has long been proven. It is mainly known for its use as a diagnostic method, for example to assess internal organs or to monitor the growth of the embryo in pregnant women. In addition to this diagnostic use, however, there is also the application of ultrasound in the field of physical therapy or in the range of services offered by many physiotherapists.
In most cases, this is an IGEL service and the treatment must therefore be paid for by the patient. In general, ultrasound is a sound wave that lies above the audible range of the human ear. Frequencies in the range of several megahertz are used.
The waves emitted by the transducer excite the body’s tissue to vibrate. Every tissue in the body reacts to this in a certain way. This type of oscillation response can then be registered by the imaging ultrasound devices with a detector. Or this tissue response can be used as a therapeutic method. Depending on the clinical picture, there are different transducers and sound patterns that are used.
Possible applications for ultrasonic devices
Ultrasound therapy is mainly used for diseases of the muscular and locomotor system. For example, it can be used to treat muscle pain, joint problems or pain syndromes. But the promotion of the healing of bone fractures and the loosening of scar tissue or other tissue adhesions belong to the field of application.
Ultrasound can also be used in conjunction with creams or gels to promote the absorption of their ingredients through the skin. The healing of chronic wounds, e.g. in diabetics or an existing pAVK, is also to be accelerated by ultrasound. Ultrasound therapy is also used for many orthopedic complaints, such as arthrosis or spinal diseases.
Another important field of application is the therapy of many skin diseases. These include neurodermatitis, psoriasis but also acne or the treatment of cosmetic problems such as lachrymal sacs or wrinkles. You can find more information about this under: Wrinkle treatment with ultrasound waves Another important area of application is the treatment of many skin diseases.
These include neurodermatitis, psoriasis but also acne or the treatment of cosmetic problems such as bags under the eyes or wrinkles. You can find more information about this under: Wrinkle treatment with ultrasound wavesA typical area of application of ultrasound therapy is knee joint arthrosis. On the one hand, the warming and blood circulation-enhancing ultrasound therapy can help to alleviate the pain that is often present.
This often works because the muscles in the knee area relax as a result of the heat, thus reducing their effect on the knee itself. On the other hand, the better care also has an effect on the existing cartilage and can delay its wear and tear somewhat. The use of active substances, such as Voltaren or other sports ointments, also works very well on the knee. Since the knee is very easily accessible, the ultrasound can penetrate well here and also reach deeper joint areas. You can find more information under: Therapy of knee arthrosis
All articles in this series:
