Using Portable Ultrasound Machines For Home Physical Therapy

Typically, when people think about an ultrasound machine, they think of a big piece of hulking equipment that occupies a chunk of a hospital's laboratory space. They also think that ultrasound machines are primarily for imaging. However, there are actually some therapeutic uses for these machines that treat sports and other injuries at home. The high frequency sound waves that ultrasound generates can treat things such as inflammation of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and can also stimulate the cells to promote faster cell repair. Of course, the ultrasound machines meant for home therapeutic use are actually a lot smaller than what is typically found in hospitals, and there are also some indications and contraindications you should watch out for before taking a look at ultrasound machines for sale.

The first thing you should do before buying a home version of this kind of machine is to consult your doctor. Inform your doctor or therapist of your plans to take advantage of ultrasound therapy. For people who have nerve damage or reduced sensation in the areas they will be treating, ultrasound therapy is not recommended because the ultrasound waves do create heat underneath the skin and in the area being treated. The excess heat is the only way for you to determine when to stop the treatments, especially if you'll be using ultrasound machines at home, which is why you won't want to try this kind of treatment unless you are able to feel the heat as it builds. If your therapist does clear you to use the machine, they can recommend the kind of ultrasound treatment that is ideal for you. For inflammations such as tendinitis and bursitis, pulsing ultrasound uses cavitation that sends the vibrations to the cell membranes to quicken their repair. Continuous ultrasound, on the other hand, generates friction as the waves pass through the muscle, which heats the area up. The body reacts by increasing blood flow to the area. This does two things: cool the area down, stimulate the healing process by bringing oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the area. Continuous ultrasound waves are ideal for treating things like muscle spasms and tense muscles.

Remember that when using ultrasound machines, the waves they produce generate heat underneath the skin. Don't allow the heat to reach a point where it is too much to bear, as this would be an indication for you to stop treatment, or at least to take a break. You will also want to shop for a portable ultrasound machine that is easy enough to use, with adjustable settings. Make sure that it has all the necessary health agency and government certifications, along with quality certifications to ensure you are getting a high quality product.