Ultrasound & Phonophoresis Therapy

Benefits of Our Newest Generation Ultrasound: Mettler Sonicator 740X

· The ultrasound unit used at our clinic, the Mettler Sonicator 740X features 3 sizes of treatment applicators enabling us to tailor treatment to your specific condition.  This includes smaller areas which can be more precisely targeted (eg. individual joints, toes or neuromas).  Our largest wand permits treatment of larger areas such as muscle/tendon groups and ligaments (eg. shin splints, arch strain). 

· We can set our unit so ultrasound waves can target surface injuries (penetrating up to 2 cm depth) or deeper structures (up to 5 cm depth) depending on your specific condition for optimal treatment results. 

· Treatment time is typically about 5 minutes with ideal frequency of 3 to 5 times per week but this will vary depending upon condition and severity.    

 

What is Ultrasound therapy?

Ultrasonic waves (sound waves of a high frequency) are produced by means of mechanical vibration of the applicator wand of our newest generation ultrasound unit, the Mettler 740X. The treatment head is then moved over the surface of the skin in the region of the injury or where pain is experienced. When sound waves come into contact with air it causes a dissipation of the waves, and so a conductive ultrasound gel is placed on the skin to ensure optimal contact between the treatment head and the surface of the skin.

What foot conditions can be treated with Ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound is indicated for the use of soft tissue injuries and disorders including:

· Strains and sprains

· Plantar Fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, arch pain 

· Tendonitis including Achilles tendonitis , shin splints

· Nerve disorders: Morton’s neuroma, neuritis and peripheral neuropathy 

· Inflammation associated with Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Fibromyalgia

· Bursitis

· Joint Pain of the ankle, midfoot, balls of feet and toes

 

How Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Work?

· Actions of Ultrasound: generate deep tissue temperature increase which may result in pain relief, localized increase in blood flow, increase of range of motion of contracted joints using heat and stretch techniques, produces analgesic (pain relief) effect on sensory nerves to the involved tissues

· Ultrasound therapy is thought to reduce the healing time of certain soft tissue injuries by influencing the effects on the inflammatory and repair processes

· Ultrasound is thought to accelerate the normal resolution time of the inflammatory process by attracting more mast cells to the site of injury. This may cause an increase in blood flow which can be beneficial in the sub-acute phase of tissue injury.

· Ultrasound may also stimulate the production of more collagen- the main protein component in soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. Hence ultrasound may accelerate the proliferative phase of tissue healing.

· Ultrasound is thought to improve the flexibility of mature collagen and so can have a positive effect to on fibrous scar tissue which may form after an injury, thus it can reduce stiffness

 

What is Phonophoresis?

Phonophoresis is ultrasound therapy using topical analgesics (usually anti-inflammatory or cortisone-type medications) within the ultrasound gel.  It is thought the ultrasonic waves can drive these medications across the skin enabling penetration to the site of pain or injury.  Topical analgesics are generally thought to have better side effect profiles compared to taking medications orally.