Ultrasound: advantages and disadvantages

The essence of physiotherapeutic procedures using ultrasound is to stimulate tissues in the subcutaneous space using acoustic vibrations. The desired result is achieved due to the physical properties of sound waves. Due to their short length, high-density energy is created, which can affect physical objects.

Thanks to its unique features, when used correctly, ultrasound has a positive effect on the human body.

Possibilities of ultrasound therapy:

• increased blood flow to the desired area of the body, which can significantly speed up recovery from injuries;
• point massage and muscle spasm relief;
• reduction of swelling;
• softening of scar tissue formed at the site of surgery or skin rupture;
• strengthening regional blood flow;
• restoration of nerve fiber conductivity.

Practical observations have shown that such physiotherapeutic procedures have anti-inflammatory, cavitation (evaporation of cellular fluid) and analgesic effects.

Indications for the use of ultrasound therapy

The possibilities of using short-wavelength sound waves are very extensive. Such treatment is used in dentistry, urology, otolaryngology and other fields. But most often, physiotherapy is used to eliminate the consequences of domestic and sports injuries, the treatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous system (osteochondrosis, myositis, hernia, pinched nerve), in the restoration of joints, in the fight against the consequences of degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (tendinitis, arthrosis, epicondylitis and others).

The beauty industry has also adopted the beneficial properties of ultrasound. With the help of sound vibrations, you can correct your figure (cavitation), get rid of cellulite, perform a relaxing massage or peeling.

It is important to remember that such treatment has its own contraindications. Doctors do not recommend using this technique for pathologies of the central nervous system, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, skin diseases (ulcers, abscesses), the presence of oncology and acute inflammatory processes.

Ultrasound therapy is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Such treatment can provoke a miscarriage or disrupt the development of the fetus.

It is not recommended to affect tissues with sound vibrations when symptoms of an infectious lesion of the body appear. Since this will lead to the spread of pathogenic bacteria throughout the body due to improved blood flow.

Ultrasound in surgery

Thanks to its unique properties of selectively destroying tissue areas, a high-intensity controlled wave has become widespread in the fight against urolithiasis. A big advantage of crushing kidney stones using ultrasound is the non-invasive nature of the operation. That is, the vibrations affect the stones through the skin, without deep incisions or dissection.

Unfortunately, the capabilities of ultrasound surgery in urology are somewhat limited. The use of sound operations is effective only for stones no more than 1.5–2 centimeters in diameter. Crushing is prohibited in the presence of diseases that disrupt normal blood clotting. In addition to urology, ultrasound surgery is used in ophthalmology, gynecology, dermatology and many other areas of medicine.

The advantages of ultrasound therapy are beyond doubt. The treatment method can be used in almost all areas of modern medicine. At the same time, ultrasound exposure has a very short list of contraindications.