Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy: Overview and Parameters
Ultrasound therapy employs sound waves above the human hearing range to treat various injuries. This technique enhances localized blood flow, thereby reducing swelling and inflammation, and aids in bone fracture healing.
Types of Ultrasound Therapy
Thermal Ultrasound Therapy:
- Mechanism: Continuous sound waves create microscopic vibrations in deep tissue molecules, increasing heat and friction.
- Benefits: Elevates tissue metabolism, promoting soft tissue healing.
- Applications: Effective for myofascial pain, muscle strains, sprains, scars, and adhesions.
Mechanical Ultrasound Therapy:
- Mechanism: Pulsed sound waves cause expansion and contraction of gas bubbles in soft tissues, reducing inflammation and pain.
- Applications: Commonly used for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where pain and swelling are present.
Ultrasound Delivery Modes
- Continuous Mode: The treatment head constantly emits ultrasonic energy.
- Pulsed Mode: Periods of ultrasound emission alternate with silent periods.
Treatment Parameters of Ultrasound Therapy
Intensity:
- Measurement: Measured in watts (W).
- Space-Averaged Intensity: Average intensity over a specified area (W/cm²).
- Time-Averaged Space-Averaged Intensity: Used in pulsed mode, it averages intensity over the treatment duration (W/cm²).
Pulsed Mark-Space Ratio:
- Definition: Ratio of the time ultrasound is on (mark) to the time it is off (space), measured in milliseconds (e.g., 2:8, 1:7).
Reflection of Ultrasound:
- Consideration: Air does not transmit ultrasonic waves, necessitating care to avoid air gaps between the treatment head and the patient.
- Acoustic Impedance: Reflection at interfaces affects transmission; low impedance means high transmission.
Transmission of Ultrasound:
- Refractive Properties: Ultrasound may be refracted at media interfaces. Treatment should aim for normal (perpendicular) wave travel to avoid refraction.
Attenuation of Ultrasound:
- Definition: Gradual reduction in beam intensity post-treatment head.
- Factors: Absorption and scatter contribute to attenuation.
Absorption:
- Mechanism: Ultrasound is absorbed by tissues and converted to heat, contributing to its thermal effects.
Scatter:
- Cause: Beam deflection due to reflection at interfaces, bubbles, or particles.
- Effect: Reduces beam intensity with depth.
Ultrasonic Fields:
- Near and Far Fields: Beam division into near and far fields due to interference from different parts of the source.
- Treatment Considerations: Near field is more intense; frequency and transducer radius should be considered for deep tissue treatment.
Coupling Media:
- Necessity: Ultrasonic waves are not transmitted by air, requiring a transmission medium between the treatment head and the skin.
- Transmission Efficiency: No couplant achieves perfect transmission; air gaps must be avoided to prevent crystal damage in the transducer.
How Traction Therapy Works
Spinal discs are circular structures located between each vertebra, consisting of a tough outer layer and a soft inner tissue. When a disc is damaged, the inner tissue can protrude through the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain. Traction therapy pulls the vertebrae apart, reducing pressure on the discs and allowing the soft inner tissue to retract back into place. This decompression of the nerve reduces pain and helps rehydrate the disc, promoting healing.
Conditions Treated with Traction Therapy
Traction therapy is used to treat various spinal conditions, including:
- Slipped Discs
- Bone Spurs
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Discs
- Facet Disease
- Sciatica
- Foramina Stenosis
- Pinched Nerves
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Lumbar Spondylosis