Ultrasound Physical Medical Treatment

Essay by aaa_jayHigh School, 12th gradeA+, February 2005

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Many medical devices are designed for use in one area of the field and then are found to be transferrable to another field through use and experimentation. The ultrasound is no exception. First used in the 1940s, the ultrasound has developed into a device which is used frequently in most modern-day pregnancies. It was not until the late 1990s that it was used for therapeutic treatment.

Ultrasounds in the range of 44-48 kHz have established themselves as a safe and effective method for treatment of muscular injuries, soft tissue damage and ligament and tendon ailments. Therapeutic ultrasounds uses low frequency, long wavelength energy to impact the superficial and the deeper tissues with minimal energy input. There are many benefits to using ultrasounds in this capacity including increasing the depth of penetration into the tissue, sound waves pass through and around bone, metal and plastic implants and treatment can be administered from either side of the injury.

By increasing the depth of penetration, the heat created by the ultrasound can reach to deeper levels of tissue, making recovery quicker and more complete. By nature sound waves penetrate plastic, bone and metal or they go around the obstacle without causing reflections and standing waves. Standing waves are dangerous because they cause vibrations and blood statis, which can lead to further damage and great discomfort to the patient. There are many more positive aspects to using ultrasounds than any possible negative affects, none of which have yet to be discovered.

The ultrasound is the best form of heat treatment for joint and muscle sprains, bursitis and tendonitis because of the natures of the waves which create the heat. Ultrasound treatment is specifically used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, speed healing, correct muscle spasms and increase the range of motion of a specific joint...