Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound (TU) provides thermal and mechanical stimulation to promote tissue healing for muscle, tendon, joint capsule, ligament and bone. It can improve mobility, return soft tissue to normal following injury, reduce scar tissue and enhance bone repair.
It can be applied using a pulsed or continuous wave, different sound heads to determine the depth of sound wave penetration and adjustable intensity depending on the tissue and condition the clinician is treating.
Indications for the use of therapeutic ultrasound includes, but not limited to, bursitis, tendonitis, calcified tendons, muscle strains, spasms and trigger points, fracture healing, ligament sprains and chronic synovitis.
Therapeutic ultrasound is widely used to provide various benefits for dogs. Here are the key advantages of therapeutic ultrasound:
Pain Relief - Ultrasound therapy helps to reduce pain by stimulating nerve endings and promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It is effective for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains, and soft tissue injuries.
Reduced Inflammation - Ultrasound waves produce a gentle heating effect in tissues, which helps to increase blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage. This reduces inflammation, swelling, and tissue congestion, promoting faster healing and recovery.
Accelerated Healing - Therapeutic ultrasound enhances cellular activity and metabolism in the treated area. This leads to faster tissue repair, regeneration, and remodeling, making it beneficial for wounds, fractures, and post-surgical recovery.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion - Ultrasound therapy can help to relax muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and increase tissue elasticity. This improves flexibility and range of motion, making movement more comfortable for dogs with stiffness or joint problems.
Enhanced Blood Flow - Ultrasound therapy increases local blood circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Improved blood flow also aids in the removal of metabolic waste products, supporting tissue health and function.
Non-Invasive and Painless - Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment that is well tolerated by dogs.
Targeted Treatment - Ultrasound therapy allows practitioners to precisely target specific areas of the body that require treatment. This makes it suitable for localised conditions and injuries.
Complementary Therapy - Ultrasound therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. It enhances the effectiveness of these treatments and promotes comprehensive care for the dog.
Long-lasting Effects - Regular sessions of ultrasound therapy can provide cumulative benefits over time, contributing to long-term management and improvement of chronic conditions in dogs.
Overall, therapeutic ultrasound is valued for its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve overall mobility and quality of life for dogs.