Ultrasound Therapy – Chicago Loop
Ultrasound can be used in physical therapy to help lessen pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. Ultrasound therapy involves using an ultrasound to send pinpointed heat into soft bodily tissues. This helps to reduce pain, improve circulation, speed healing, eliminate scar tissue, and more.
One very specific method of ultrasound therapy is phonophoresis. Phonophoresis is the combination of ultrasound waves and topical medications, such as lidocaine, to an inflamed, injured, or otherwise compromised area of the musculoskeletal system. Phonophoresis encourages the skin, and muscles and ligaments underneath, to absorb topical medication by stimulating tissues with ultrasound waves.
Benefits of Phonophoresis
When someone suffers from an injury, or is simply experiencing muscle or joint pain, phonophoresis can aid in the healing process and speed up recovery time. Phonophoresis is often used to increase the effectiveness of other treatments for various ailments.
Some injuries and conditions phonophoresis is frequently used to help treat are tendonitis, carpal tunnel, bursitis, TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), sprains, ligament injuries, muscle strains, osteoarthritis, etc. Phonophoresis is a simple process and is usually just one part of a treatment plan.
The Process
Phonophoresis consists of a few simple steps. First, your therapist will apply a topical medication to the injured or affected area, such as the knee. Occasionally, this medication will be left to sit for a short period of time before the ultrasound gel is applied on top. Ultrasound gel aids the ultrasound waves in travelling through the skin to the tissues underneath. Once this gel is applied, the ultrasound head will be moved across the affected area, assisting in the absorption of the medication.
Ultrasound Therapy in Chicago
If you are looking for a qualified professional to administer ultrasound therapy in the Chicago Loop, look no further than Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Injury Centers. Book an appointment with us today by calling any one of our four locations, or going to our website.
