Ultrasound
Ultrasound has been used as a therapeutic therapy for soft tissue injuries for well over half a century. Ultrasonic waves (high frequency sound waves) which are not detectable by the patient are produced through vibration of the treatment head of the ultrasound machine, which is moved over the surface of the skin in the region of the injury. This is thought to speed up the bodies natural inflammatory process by attracting more cells to the site of injury. This can increase blood flow which is key in the sub-acute phase of tissue injury (72 hours post injury).
It is thought that Ultrasound may also stimulate the production of collagen – which is abundant in our soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Hence ultrasound may accelerate the production phase of tissue healing, where our body lays down new structures. Ultrasound can also improve the pliabilty of this collagen and so can be used on scar tissue which may form and be problematic post injury.
Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy (P.E.M.F)
Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field therapy can speed up the body’s natural healing process of soft tissue damage by up to 30%. The tiny device produces a steady stream of P.E.M.F waves to the targeted area. This sustained therapy has two effects on the body’s natural healing: – enlarging the blood capillaries within the damaged tissue to bring more blood to the treated area – speeding up the cell metabolic rate to increase natural cell repair.
P.E.M.F waves are completely painless, allowing the patient to get on with their everyday life undisturbed. Although primarily used to speed up recovery of soft tissue injuries, they can also be effectively used for swelling, bruising, poor circulation, cramps, aching muscles and chronic injuries.