Therapeutic ultrasound

[Marelis]

I've had neck pain for some years, dating back to a whiplash injury.  Chiropractic treatment only made things worse -> often end up with a migraine.  Recently I purchased a hand-held portable therapeutic ultrasound gadget and have been using it daily, especially when I feel a neck/headache coming on.  Over the sorest spots, the ultrasound feels like a hot knife (can feel it working!)  But after each treatment I am pain-free and have normal range of motion.  It would have to be helpful for a number of musculoskeletal conditions for pain relief.  But obviously, has to be used with caution.  I cannot quite massage my own neck by this feels better than a neck massage....and the best part is that I can do it myself at home or work.  Hoping that it won't be needed so often soon....will keep you posted.

[Vicki]

I've never heard of therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound has heat? I thought it was vibrations. (Never had an ultrasound, but saw one given to detect a blood clot in a leg.) What is the difference between this and utrasound used in pregnancies? - beside the obvious, no picture.

I'm glad it helps your pain. Reoccuring pain must be horrible.

[Larry Lyons]

I've had neck pain for some years, dating back to a whiplash injury.  Chiropractic treatment only made things worse -> often end up with a migraine.  Recently I purchased a hand-held portable therapeutic ultrasound gadget and have been using it daily, especially when I feel a neck/headache coming on.  Over the sorest spots, the ultrasound feels like a hot knife (can feel it working!)  But after each treatment I am pain-free and have normal range of motion.  It would have to be helpful for a number of musculoskeletal conditions for pain relief.  But obviously, has to be used with caution.  I cannot quite massage my own neck by this feels better than a neck massage....and the best part is that I can do it myself at home or work.  Hoping that it won't be needed so often soon....will keep you posted.

Marelis, are these things available to the public, and do they require a prescription? And are they expensive?

[Ed Sutton]

Sounds like it breaks loose scaring and adhesions with sound waves.   Wonder if it would speed up damaged connective tissue near the elbow ?

[Marelis]

Vicki - it is basically just very high frequency sound waves and hence produces vibrations in soft tissues, increasing blood flow and can reduce inflammation.  Pentrates about 2 inches deep into tissues.

Ed, I reckon it would be great for tendonitis and any number of painful conditions.....bursitis, fibromylagia etc.  I have a friend with plantar fasciitis and another who gets gout pretty bad and am hoping they'll be willing guinea pigs ; )  Probably need the lowest setting on gout

Larry - relatively expensive - but then, no more than a few chiropractic or massage treatments, and yes, can be bought on the market without a prescription.

[Vicki]

Thank you, Marelis. It makes sense to me now.