Active ChiropracticSaco, ME

Treatment

Therapeutic Ultrasound in Saco, ME

Sound waves used to warm injured tissue, increase blood flow to the site and loosen scar tissue. A safe, drug-free option at our Saco office for soft tissue injury, chronic joint inflammation and stubborn stiffness.

Book an appointment+1 (207) 571-8028
Ultrasound device being used on a knee

If you struggle with a soft tissue injury, chronic joint inflammation, chronic connective tissue strain, or painful scar tissue built up around a muscle, therapeutic ultrasound is worth knowing about. Used together with chiropractic care and other non-invasive techniques, it can help you work through pain, stiffness and other musculoskeletal limitations without medication.

What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?

"Ultrasound" means sound waves generated in a frequency range far above human hearing. You have probably met the term in diagnostic imaging, but therapeutic ultrasound operates at different frequencies than diagnostic ultrasound — therapeutic instruments usually generate 1MHz or 3MHz.

When that ultrasonic energy meets injured or ailing tissue, several things happen. The waves increase blood flow to the treatment site, warming and relaxing the tissues while accelerating the healing process. Ultrasound also causes fluids to move through and among cells more easily, a phenomenon known as streaming. Meanwhile the vibration appears to increase the flexibility of collagen — a component of scar tissue and other structures — so tissues can operate more comfortably and freely.

Conditions Treated With Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound plays a role in both acute injury treatment and chronic pain management. Chiropractors, physical therapists and other practitioners use it for conditions such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Strained muscles
  • Sprained ligaments
  • Wrist pain
  • Running injuries
  • Adhesions — lumps of scar tissue that limit musculoskeletal motion

How It Fits Into Your Treatment Plan

  1. An evaluation first

    Dr. Reiche looks for neuromusculoskeletal problems — the ones affecting your nerves, muscles and joints — before recommending ultrasound as part of your plan.

  2. Releasing adhesions, reducing inflammation

    Used this way, ultrasound can improve your body’s ability to accept and make use of chiropractic adjustments.

  3. Alongside your other treatment

    Ultrasound works well next to massage therapy, corrective exercises and other techniques, whether you are managing pain or getting over a nagging injury.

Common Questions About Therapeutic Ultrasound

Is this the same ultrasound used for imaging?

No. Both use sound waves above the range of human hearing, but therapeutic ultrasound operates at different frequencies than diagnostic ultrasound. Therapeutic instruments usually generate 1MHz or 3MHz.

What does it actually do to the tissue?

The waves increase blood flow to the treatment site, warming and relaxing the tissues. They also help fluids move through and among cells more easily, and appear to increase the flexibility of collagen so tissues move more freely.

Is it safe?

It is quite safe for most individuals. Our team may recommend a different treatment strategy in cases involving pregnancy, malignant tumors and certain other conditions.

Is ultrasound used on its own?

Usually not. It is used in conjunction with chiropractic care and other non-invasive techniques, and works well alongside massage therapy and corrective exercises.

How do I find out whether it makes sense for me?

Contact our chiropractic office at +1 (207) 571-8028 to schedule an evaluation, or book an appointment online.

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