Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Often referred to as "muscle stim," the therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain and speed healing. Often described by patients as a pleasant, "tingling" sensation, or "electrical massage," these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins. These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain, as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities.
Ultrasound
This
treatment should not be confused with diagnostic ultrasound, often used
in prenatal screening, but is instead a therapeutic procedure that
utilizes sound waves to treat injured muscles, joints, and soft
tissues. The sound waves vibrate the tissues back and forth, creating a
deep, micro-massage effect. In the case of a recent injury, this helps
to decrease scar tissue and adhesion formation, which would otherwise
interfere with the body's healing process. The sound waves also
decrease inflammation by destroying unwanted inflammatory cells. The
sound waves also accelerate healing by stimulating the activity of the
cells responsible for cellular and tissue repair. In chronic cases,
special settings are used to create a deep-heating effect, heating the
tissues far below the skin's surface. This heat, along with the
vibrations that are caused by the ultrasound, help to "melt away" the
muscle spasms and "knots" felt in our muscles.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and it is administered in the region of soft tissue injuries.
How does Ultrasound work?
The
sound waves, some moving with a frequency of 1,000,000 waves per
second, penetrate into deep into the tissues. The vibrations and heat
break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other hard tissue
accumulations.
What does Ultrasound feel like?
During the treatment most patients either feel nothing, or a
pleasant and relaxing sensation below the skin's surface.
Why is Ultrasound used?
The
treatment can be administered directly to the affected area and it
penetrates deeply. As the temperature rises, blood flow increases and
muscle spasms relax thus speeding up the healing process.
What are the benefits of Ultrasound?
Ultrasound
stimulates healing without irritation and enhances the body's natural
healing ability. It is effective in treating calcium deposition, speeds
metabolism, improves blood flow and reduces nerve root irritation.
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