Ultrasound Therapy

Therapeutic Ultrasound is not the same as diagnostic imaging ultrasound. It uses high-frequency sound waves at 1 to 3 MHz to deliver mechanical energy deep into soft tissue structures — tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and fascia — that are otherwise very difficult to treat at depth. The sound waves produce two effects simultaneously: mild therapeutic heat deep in the tissue that warms and loosens tight structures, and acoustic streaming, which is the physical movement of fluid within cells and tissue caused by the sound wave vibration. That fluid movement is what makes it particularly effective for chronic low-level inflammation and stiffened scar tissue.

The result is a therapy that does something specific and complementary to everything else on the menu. It softens old scar tissue and adhesions, increases circulation in poorly-perfused tissue like tendons where chronic injuries tend to stall, and accelerates cellular healing by increasing the permeability of cell membranes so nutrients get in and waste products get out more efficiently. It is most powerful when used directly after a laser or shockwave session on the same area — the laser increases cellular energy while the ultrasound improves tissue perfusion and scar remodeling, and the two together produce better results than either does alone. This is why it is offered at $20 as an add-on to any laser or shockwave appointment.