Ultrasound Therapy for Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

Ultrasound therapy has been used by physical therapists since the 1940s. It is one of the most common treatments used for soft tissue lesions. Ultrasound therapy can produce many effects and benefits other than just the ones produced by heating. It increases tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. It also helps reduce local swelling, and chronic inflammation, and promotes bone fracture healing.

There are several types of ultrasound therapy with different intensities and different frequencies, but all share the basic principle of “stimulation.”

Are you looking for a non-invasive treatment option for chronic wound healing and tissue repair? Ultrasound therapy may be the answer. This blog post examines the benefits of ultrasound therapy and how it can help speed up the healing process.

Effects of Ultrasound in the Phases of Wound Healing

Physiotherapists commonly use ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and increase mobility in soft tissues. The application of ultrasound can also be helpful in the reduction of inflammation and the healing of wounds and injuries.

Ultrasound therapy is used for the healing of specific wounds, such as recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers, and it helps in promoting the healing of Charcot fractures.

Low-frequency therapeutic ultrasound is one of the important treatment methods used to enhance the healing of chronic ulcers/sores, wound cleansing, wound dressings, and electrical stimulation. Ultrasound has also been shown to have beneficial effects on tissue healing.

MIST ultrasound therapy is one of the most common forms of non-contact, low-frequency ultrasound treatment method used in wound management. The ultrasound waves are transmitted to the tissues by a mist generated by placing saline in front of the transducer of the ultrasound machine. The mist is delivered at a distance of about 5 to 15 mm from the wound. The low-frequency ultrasound in the MIST therapy system stimulates complete wound healing by improving local blood flow, wound cleansing, and decreasing bacterial burden.

Ultrasound Application in the Inflammatory Phase

The inflammatory response happens after injury and involves blood vessel dilation, white blood cell movement, and release of chemicals like histamine to aid in healing. Ultrasound applied during this phase can improve healing by promoting the release of these chemicals and attracting cells to the injury site. Early intervention can speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort.

Ultrasound Application in the Proliferative Phase

Ultrasound applied during the healing phase can promote the growth and strength of connective tissue by stimulating fibroblast activity and increasing collagen production. It also helps with blood vessel growth and wound contraction, potentially leading to smaller scars. Low-frequency ultrasound applied soon after an injury can have a particularly positive effect on wound contraction.

Ultrasound Application in the Epithelialization Phase

Applying ultrasound to the peri-wound area stimulates the release of growth factors required to regenerate epithelial cells, further protecting the body from infection and reinstating skin integrity.

Ultrasound Application in the Maturation or Remodeling Phase

The response to ultrasound in the maturation stage depends on if therapy was initiated in the inflammatory phase. The application of thermal ultrasound during this phase affects collagen extensibility and enzyme activity and, therefore, improves the healing tissue's tensile strength.

Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy for Wound Healing

Ultrasound therapy has shown promising results in wound care. Some of the main therapeutic effects of ultrasound therapy that wound care specialists and podiatrists need to be aware of include the following:

Therapeutic Ultrasound is Non-Invasive and Painless

Unlike other wound care procedures, ultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds is non-invasive with no downtime.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Stimulates Blood Flow to the Wound Area

Ultrasound therapy stimulates the body's natural wound-healing response at the cellular level.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Reduces Swelling and Inflammation

Ultrasound therapy can reduce inflammation around the healing wounds, which in turn, can reduce overall pain and discomfort.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Reduces the Formation of Scar Tissue

The ultrasound waves cause tiny vibrations in the cells of the soft tissues. These micro-vibrations affect the fibers that form scar tissue. Over time, ultrasound can prevent the formation of scar tissue and may be able to break scar tissue down.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Reduces the Risk of Infection

By targeting the wound early with ultrasound waves, your risk of infection and further complications is significantly reduced.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Stimulates Nerve Function and Tissue Repair

Deep heat applied by ultrasound can also improve flexibility and range of motion in certain muscles. Ultrasound energy can cause rapid tissue contraction, causing microscopic gas bubbles (cavitation) around the injured tissue, which aids in the wound-healing process.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Can be Used Safely on Individuals of All Ages

Ultrasound therapy has no known harmful effects when done right by your therapist. The treatment will help alleviate body pain in the affected areas. Ultrasound physical therapy is non-invasive; hence, it's safer than other methods.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Reduces the Need for Pain Medications

Therapeutic ultrasound is typically pain-free and rarely requires the use of anesthetics or pain relievers.

Precautions and Contraindications When Applying Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. Patients report a warm feeling while receiving the treatment. You shouldn't feel any discomfort during the treatment.

While very rare and unlikely, one potential risk of ultrasound therapy is that the rapid pressure changes during cavitation can cause a "microplosion" and damage cellular activity. While it is safe for treating certain conditions, ultrasound therapy is not recommended to use over:

• The abdomen or lower back in pregnant women
• Directly on broken skin or healing fractures
• On eyes, breasts, or sexual organs
• In areas with metal implants
• Over or near areas with malignant tumors

Ultrasound therapy should not be used near a pacemaker. Notify your provider immediately if you feel any discomfort during a therapeutic ultrasound treatment.

Book Your Ultrasound Therapy Appointment Today!

Ultrasound therapy has become a common practice among physical therapists to reduce muscle pain, fight infection, and promote wound healing in the body.

Palm Wellness Center provides patients access to the best therapies, including ultrasound therapy, as a complementary treatment for the rehabilitation process.

If you want to take control of your health, give us a call to start your treatments as soon as possible.

Schedule a therapeutic ultrasound appointment with our doctor at Palm Wellness Center at (813) 443-5370 or visit our website at www.palmwellness.center.