Ultrasound Therapy

7. Ultrasound Therapy

The device used for ultrasound therapy consists of a small box. On its face are a few simple dials and gauges. Attached to a cord running into the unit is a transducer similar in appearance to a small bathtub shower spray extension. This transducer emits a stream of sound waves, at a frequency so high that they are inaudible to the human ear.

When this therapy is applied, a gel is spread on the surface of the body that is to be treated. When the transducer is placed against the injured part, the gel keeps the sound waves from being lost in the air.

On the box of the ultrasound unit is a dial where the ultrasound frequency may be set. It produces heat as the sound waves rub against cell molecules and cause them to vibrate. This heat penetrates just slightly under the skin but the ultrasound can penetrate into the joint.

This therapy is often used for persons with arthritis associated with calcium Deposits. The ultrasound waves break up the calcium which then disperses. One main problem is that it can also effect healthy bone and cause destruction there. The higher the ultrasound frequency, the greater the risk of bone damage. Since this therapy is still really in experimental stages, it is unknown what is a safe frequency, if indeed, there is. a safe range and also how long to apply the treatment. Besides being risky, no real and long-lasting benefit can be achieved. Calcium deposits may be broken up but the cause for their deposition has not been removed. They will, therefore, once again accumulate. At best, it is palliative. On the other hand, it can destroy healthy tissues and bones.