Ultrasound may be combined with traditional massage for maximum benefits.
The ultrasound is most commonly associated with the diagnostic ultrasounds used in prenatal exams and medical screenings. Ultrasound massage is a type of therapeutic ultrasound that is used to stimulate muscles, joints and tissues. The high-frequency sound waves set between 800,000Hz and 2,000,000Hz can penetrate as much as 5 inches below the surface of the skin to stimulate cells and promote a variety of safe, effective healing benefits to various parts of the body.
Increased Range of Motion
Ultrasound massage can increase range of motion in the muscles and joints of some patients. According to SpineUniverse.com, ultrasound therapy is often used as part of a physical therapy regimen to relax the patient and prepare the body for physical therapy exercises. The ultrasound waves create a gentle, safe heat deep in the muscle tissue which can alleviate pain, stiffness and discomfort in some patients. Those who suffer from joint or muscle stiffness as a result of an injury or chronic condition, such as arthritis, may experience greater freedom of movement as the tissues are heated and relaxed throughout the body. The initial increase in range of motion allows the patient to work through physical therapy exercises more comfortably and effectively.
Accelerated Healing
Ultrasound massage therapy is also used to accelerate and encourage the healing of wounds throughout the body. Joseph McCulloch, PhD, served as the director of the Physical Therapy Department at the Louisiana State University Medical Center, and his work suggests that ultrasound therapy can affect the natural secretion of collagen in fibroblast cells. Fibroblast cells are responsible for creating collagen, which is the structural framework of the human body. An increased production of collagen can strengthen the healing tissues and promote faster recovery from wounds and injuries of the skin and bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Reduced Scar Tissue
Ultrasound massage is believed to safely stimulate an increased production of collagen that can also affect scar tissue formation. When the tissues of the body are relaxed and able to heal more quickly through the benefits of ultrasound massage, the formation of scar tissue can be significantly reduced. According to SportsInjuryClinic.net, ultrasound therapy may also have an effect on mature collagen throughout the body. Ultrasound treatment can be applied to fibrous scar tissue that may have already formed following an injury or trauma. The gentle pulsations of the ultrasound massage may reduce the appearance of exterior scars on the skin, and ultrasound treatment can also reduce scar tissue that may interfere with movement in the joints, muscles and ligaments.
Tags: Ultrasound massage, throughout body, ultrasound therapy, benefits ultrasound, increase range, increase range motion, increased production
