FAQ – Therapeutic ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is commonly used in physical therapy. It speeds up the healing of damaged muscles, tendons or ligaments by reducing inflammation in these areas with the use of high frequency sound waves. An ultrasound probe is applied to the targeted area and moved in a circular motion at the treatment site.

The high frequency sound waves from the ultrasound probe pass through the skin, causing a vibration within the deep tissues, which facilitates heating of the tissues. Therapeutic ultrasound also has other various beneficial effects such as an increased blood circulation and reduction of swelling. As it is painless and non-invasive, the therapeutic ultrasound is very well tolerated in our paw-tients.

When performed by a trained and experienced veterinarian, the therapeutic ultrasound is safe and effective for your pet.

The duration for each session may vary according to the specific condition being treated, but typically last between 20 – 30 minutes. The treatment time can be adjusted based on the animal’s tolerance and the therapeutic goals.

High frequency sound waves generated by the ultrasound probe will penetrate into the underlying tissues, causing microscopic vibrations at a cellular level. This results in:

1. Heat generation: Therapeutic ultrasound provides a heating effect which reduces muscle spasms, promotes muscle relaxation and relieves pain.
2. Reduced pain and inflammation: The mechanical energy produced by the ultrasound waves can help to break down scar tissue and adhesions, which can be a source of pain and restricted movement. Additionally, the increased blood flow and cellular activity triggered by the ultrasound can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
3. Soft tissue healing: Therapeutic ultrasound can stimulate fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for producing collagen, a protein essential for tissue repair and regeneration. This can be particularly helpful in treating injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and tendonitis.

• Spinal injuries

• Arthritis

• Hip Dysplasia

• Elbow Dysplasia

• Muscular injuries

• Wound healing and reduction of scar tissue

• Pain and muscle spasms

• Reduction of oedema

• Fractures

• Post surgical wounds

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Temporary discomfort at the treatment site may be observed but this usually subsides within a few hours to a few days.

• A warm, tingling sensation may be felt by your pet for the duration of the treatment.