If you’ve been to a physiotherapist before, you may have heard the term “ultrasound” come up during your treatment. Did you know there are two types of ultrasound that play different roles in musculoskeletal physiotherapy? Let’s break down the differences between diagnostic ultrasound scanning and treatment ultrasound.
What is Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning?
Diagnostic ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals use it to get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your body.
Why We Use Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning:
- Accurate Diagnosis: It helps identify specific injuries like muscle tears, tendonitis, or joint issues.
- Real-Time Imaging: You can move around a bit while being scanned, giving the physiotherapist a better understanding of how your musculoskeletal system works.
- Guidance for Treatment: These images guide your physiotherapist in creating a tailored treatment plan just for you.
What to Expect:
- Your physio will apply a gel to the area being scanned.
- A handheld transducer will be gently moved over the gelled area to capture images.
- You might feel some discomfort when moving the affected area for better imaging, but it shouldn’t be painful.
What is Treatment Ultrasound?
Treatment ultrasound, also called therapeutic ultrasound, is a technique used in physiotherapy to deliver deep heat and energy to soft tissues like muscles and tendons. It uses sound waves to generate heat, which can help with healing and pain relief.
Why We Use Treatment Ultrasound:
- Pain Relief: The small amount of heat produced by the ultrasound can ease pain in the treated areas.
- Increased Blood Flow: It boosts circulation in the targeted area, helping with the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: The heat can help bring down inflammation in muscles and tendons.
- Tissue Healing: Ultrasound can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
What to Expect:
- Your physio will apply a gel to the area being treated.
- A handheld transducer will deliver the ultrasound waves to the target area.
- You might feel a gentle warming or tingling sensation during the treatment.
Key Differences:
- Purpose: Diagnostic ultrasound scans provide images for diagnosis, while treatment ultrasound uses sound waves to promote healing.
- Sensation: Diagnostic ultrasound doesn’t involve heat, while treatment ultrasound may generate warmth.
- Procedure: Both methods involve a transducer and gel, but their applications and outcomes are different.
Conclusion
Both diagnostic and treatment ultrasounds are crucial in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Knowing the differences can help you understand the purpose of each and feel more confident in your treatment plan. If you have any questions about how these techniques apply to your specific situation, feel free to ask your physiotherapist for more information.
