Ultrasound is a diagnostic medical procedure performed to visualize the structures inside the body using high-frequency sound waves. This technique is also called a Sonogram or Sonography. Ultrasound techniques are usually conducted for diagnosis purposes and sometimes for treatment.
Numerous ultrasound techniques aid in the medical industry for distinct operations and results. In sports rehabilitation, ultrasounds serve for diagnostic and recovery purposes. It simplifies the interpretation of different injuries and musculoskeletal damages. Among many types of ultrasound techniques, musculoskeletal and therapeutic ultrasound are the two most common practices followed in sports rehabilitation.
Ultrasound In Sports
Ultrasound technology is a non-intrusive medical imaging process that uses sound wave transmission to deliver images of inner body structures. It’s a persistent and dynamic imaging technique that provides detailed perception and visuals of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, bones, joints, and other musculoskeletal arrangements. Some other methods routinely used for this are X-ray and MRI, in which the images produced are static.
For decades, we have known ultrasound as a procedure routinely performed to capture moving images of infants or fetuses inside the womb. Further, it is familiar as a diagnostic method for determining any underlying causes of diseases and identifying inner symptoms.
In the sports demesne, specifically in sports rehabilitation centers, ultrasound methodology is employed to identify and treat athletes with sprains and injuries. Ultrasound devices can also aid in preventive efforts, reviews, screenings, and monitoring of athletic performances.
Ultrasound In Sports Rehabilitation
A person who is an athlete, a professional sportsperson, or someone who plays for enjoyment may encounter an injury, sprain, swelling, fracture, concussion, muscle spasms, tissue scars, etc. Restoration from these injuries may demand sports rehabilitation to recover comprehensively and restore their regular activities, especially for athletes and sports professionals.
A restoration program in a rehab includes a successful diagnosis treatment plan and an integrative approach. The restoration may consist of a few medications and numerous activities like strengthening exercises, mobilization, pain management, massages, and other applicable dexterities.
Benefits Of Ultrasound In Sports Rehabilitation
- Ultrasound is safe and effective for athletes and sports professionals
- The process is unaffectedly effortless to perform
- Assess muscle, tendons, or ligaments during motion
- No form of anesthetics or pain relievers are required
- No orientation to radiation or radioactive particles
- No harmful effects when done by qualified clinicians
- Effective pain relief and it is a non-invasive method
- Devices are portable and convenient
- Interactive evaluation and results, time-saving
Purposes Of Ultrasound In Rehabilitation
✅ Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound procedures benefit different purposes.
- Diagnosing joint sores
- Diagnosing soft tissue irregularities
- Diagnosing musculoskeletal damages
- Assessing an injury
- Assessing muscle functions
- Identifying nerve embroilments
- Identifying exact locations
- Guiding inoculations and vaccinations
- Monitoring healing process
- Preventive care
✅ Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a part of the treatment methodology involved in physical therapy sessions. Therapeutic Ultrasound treats incessant pains and healing of tissues. This method of treatment is usually followed for impairments like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Shoulder-related injuries, Tendonitis, Ligament injuries, and Joint tightness.
Therapeutic ultrasound has restorative thermic effects induced by the high-frequency sound waves. The waves create vibrant senses in the surrounding tissues of the treated area and create a resonant heat within the tissues. This heat influences the muscle tissues, scar tissue, tendons, and joint pockets and reduces pain, muscle spasms, tissue repairs, and aids in healing.
Benefits Of Therapeutic Ultrasound
The primary advantage of therapeutic ultrasound is its facility to attain the plunging tissues with vibration and heat without passing through any radiation in the body. Other benefits include;
- Increases the blood flow in the wounded part
- Increases the spectrum of movement
- Reduces the swelling and inflammation around the injured part
- Prevents scar tissue from the wounded body structure
- Promotes healing of the tissues
- Flexibility of muscles
- No use of anesthesia or painkiller drugs
- Pain-free and quicker developments
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that produces images of the musculoskeletal structures in the body. Musculoskeletal systems include muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and soft tissues.
Read More:- The Art Of Manual Therapy In Sports Rehabilitation – Benefits!
Conclusion
Impairments caused by sports can be vibrant. Prevention of sports injuries is possible to a certain magnitude. Any injury should be addressed carefully, and proper treatment is mandatory. The use of appropriate techniques and types of equipment is crucial for the recovery of the patient.
Post-treatment rehabilitation may become indispensable for sports professionals and athletes to recover quickly and effectively. Children are specifically prone to the risk of sports injuries because of their active nature. Children, without knowing their physical limits may push themselves to injury more easily than teenagers and adults.
