Ultraäänihoitoon

Ultraäänihoitoon, also known as therapeutic ultrasound, is a non-invasive treatment modality used in physical therapy and rehabilitation. It utilizes high-frequency sound waves to promote healing and relieve pain in soft tissues. The sound waves are generated by a transducer, typically a handheld wand, which is moved over the affected area with a coupling gel to ensure good contact and prevent air impedance.

The primary physiological effects of therapeutic ultrasound include thermal and non-thermal mechanisms. Thermal effects, achieved with continuous ultrasound, increase tissue temperature. This can lead to increased blood flow, reduced joint stiffness, and enhanced tissue extensibility, making it beneficial for chronic conditions and scar tissue. Non-thermal effects, achieved with pulsed ultrasound, involve mechanical vibrations. These vibrations can stimulate cellular activity, promote cell membrane permeability, and accelerate the inflammatory and healing processes, making it useful for acute injuries.

Indications for ultrasound therapy are diverse and include conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint pain. It is also employed in wound healing and pain management. Contraindications are important to consider and typically include pregnancy, active cancer, areas with impaired circulation, and over the eyes or reproductive organs. The treatment parameters, such as frequency, intensity, duty cycle, and duration, are adjusted based on the specific condition and treatment goals.