What is Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a treatment commonly used in physical therapy to help reduce pain and speed up the healing process in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.

Ultrasound therapy uses high frequency sound waves (not audible to humans) that are sent into the body through a small handheld device.  These sound waves create gentle vibrations in the tissues which can

• Increase blood flow
• Reduce inflammation
• Relax tight muscles
• Improve the healing process

What is ultrasound therapy commonly used for?

• Muscle strains
• Tendonopathies
• Ligament injuries
• Joint stiffness
• Scar tissue softening

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is usually painless.  There may be a slight warmth on the skin or nothing at all.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high energy sound waves (different from ultrasound high frequency sound waves) that are sent into the injured area.  These shockwaves help to ‘kick start’ the body’s natural healing process.

How it works

A device with a small handheld applicator is placed on your area of treatment.

The machine sends strong pulses of sound energy into the tissues.

These pulses cause tiny ‘microinjuries’ that signal your body to: Increase blood flow, break down scar tissue or calcifications, speed up tissue repair.   Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic (long term) problems.

What injuries is it used for?

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Tennis/Golfers elbow
• Rotator Cuff (shoulder) issues
• Hip/Gluteal tendon pain
• Chronic muscle knots

Is the shockwave treatment painful?

You will feel a strong tapping sensation. It can be mildly uncomfortable especially on sore areas but is usually well tolerated.

Treatments are short – typically 5-10 minutes maximum

Why try Shockwave therapy?

It is a non surgical treatment

Speeds up the healing process

It is helpful for injuries that have not improved with rest, physical therapy, stretching 

Can reduce pain significantly over several sessions

How quickly will each therapy work?

Ultrasound Therapy – More subtle and gradual improvement.  Ultrasound therapy is usually combined with other therapy techniques during an appointment.

Shockwave Therapy – Often gives noticeable improvement within 3-6 sessions.

Is not used during a session with other treatments.  It is often used when other treatments have not helped.

In Summary…..

Shockwave therapy is a much stronger treatment and is best for chronic tendon problems, heel pain, tennis and golfers elbow and calcifications.

Ultrasound is a much more gentle treatment, best for muscle strains, mild inflammation and tissue warming.

Shockwave gives faster, deeper changes but can be a little uncomfortable but usually tolerable

Ultrasound is painless, soothing and supportive.