Ultrasound is often used as a treatment modality by physical therapists as the high and low frequency sound waves provide deep tissue and muscle warming. Sound waves are transmitted to specific affected areas of surrounding tissue and vasculature, where they are able to penetrate into the muscles and promote tissue relaxation. Tissue relaxation is useful when treating muscle spasms and tightness, while the warming affect of the sound waves help to promote healing by increasing blood circulation and vessel vasodilation to the affected areas.
Ultrasound is often used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions like tendonitis, sprains, and strains. This deep heating technique is administered by a licensed physical therapist using an ultrasound machine. A sound head or wand is gently pressed against the skin, near the affected area of injured tissue, and is moved in small circular sweeps. Small amounts of gel are used to help absorb the sound waves into the skin and muscles.
