Does ultrasound therapy really work?
Unfortunately — although there are some interesting exceptions and tantalizing hopes for some conditions — ultrasound is not a promising therapy for most of the painful problems it is used for. There is a jarring, bizarre lack of quality research for such a popular, mainstream therapy. What little research is available paints a bland picture.
How ultrasonic works for the skin?
What Is an Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber?
- Wet your skin. Remember: An ultrasonic skin spatula will only work if the skin is wet.
- Run the spatula along your skin. Using gentle pressure, push the scrubber along your skin in an upward and/or outward motion. ...
- Go slow if you’re trying to extract. ...
- Follow up with your regular skincare routine. ...
- Clean your device when you’re done. ...
What does ultrasonic do to the skin?
We're talking about the first one. Ultrasonic therapy uses high-level sound waves — far beyond the range audible to humans — to stimulate cells far beyond the superficial layers of skin, which jumpstarts collagen production, reduces inflammation, and promotes blood circulation (hence, the glow).
What is ultrasound therapy used for?
What is ultrasound therapy? US has been used in physical and occupational therapy to promote healing, decrease pain, reduce swelling, remodel scar tissue, and decrease inflammation. Unlike traditional methods, therapeutic Ultrasound uses acoustic energy with modified frequencies to restore and heal soft tissues.
How does ultrasonic treatment work?
As well as heating and relaxing the muscles, ultrasound therapy breaks down scar tissue and increases local blood flow. All of this combines to increase healing rates in the area, making it a suitable way to speed up slow-healing or chronic issues. We now think that it can also encourage the repair of damaged bones.
What are the side effects of ultrasound therapy?
Depending on the temperature gradients, the effects from ultrasound exposure can include mild heating, coagulative necrosis, tissue vaporization, or all three. Ultrasonic cavitation and gas body activation are closely related mechanisms which depend on the rarefactional pressure amplitude of ultrasound waves.
What is ultrasound good for?
Doctors use ultrasound to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing (returning) waves.
How often should you do ultrasound therapy?
According to Rosenzweig, “Therapists use ultrasound anywhere from six to 12 sessions – it's part of the patient's therapy, so therapists might do it for five minutes, then perhaps twice a week anywhere from thee weeks to six weeks.
Can ultrasound damage organs?
There have been no reported cases of adverse reactions from the performance of medical ultrasounds on humans (Orenstein 2011). As recently as December 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging (FDA 2014).
Is it OK to have ultrasound every week?
As with many tests related to pregnancy, there is some disparity among medical centers about how often a woman should have ultrasounds, especially late in her pregnancy. During the third trimester, some offices perform ultrasounds every two weeks, while others (like ours) perform one every three to four weeks.
Does ultrasound therapy reduce inflammation?
Ultrasound (US) therapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation and to accelerate healing after soft tissue injury.
Are ultrasounds harmful?
Does ultrasound have any risks? Ultrasound is safe for you and your baby when done by your health care provider. Because ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation, it's safer than X-rays. Providers have used ultrasound for more than 30 years, and they have not found any dangerous risks.
Can ultrasound hurt you?
It may be dangerous and cause more problems under certain circumstances. If you are receiving ultrasound, you should speak with your physical therapist to understand why it is being used and be sure to speak up if you feel that it should not be used for your condition.
Is ultrasound good for arthritis?
Ultrasound therapy can be useful in repair cartilage damage caused by arthritis. A study (Low Intensity Ultrasound as a Supporter of Cartilage Regeneration...) found that ultrasound therapy allows oxygen to be delivered to the injured tissue of the joints facilitating tissue repair.
What is the difference between ultrasound and laser therapy?
One of the biggest differences between cold laser and ultrasound therapy is that ultrasound creates heat and cold laser does not. Because of this, ultrasound has more limits and contradictions of how it can be used.
Can ultrasound break up scar tissue?
One of the many benefits of ultrasound therapy is breaking up scar tissue caused by injuries or surgery. Scar tissue can cause pain and restrict joint movement. Ultrasound helps by using high-frequency sound waves to break the fibres of the scar tissue down into smaller fragments.
What Is Ultrasonic Facial Treatment?
During an ultrasonic facial, high level sound wave technology is used to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin promoting cellular renewal an...
What Type of Conductive Gel Should Be Used During Treatment?
It is critical that a water soluble gel be used during treatment because it has been found to be the best conductor of ultrasonic sound waves. Plai...
What Are The Benefits of Ultrasonic Facial Treatment?
Ultrasonic facials offer a safe and gentle alternative to dramatic plastic surgery procedures, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Collagen and Boto...
Are Ultrasonic Facials Considered Safe?
The ultrasonic facial is considered a safe, easy and gentle skin rejuvenation treatment however the following precautions should always be taken du...
What Is Ultrasonic Facial Treatment?
During an ultrasonic facial, high level sound wave technology is used to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin promoting cellular renewal and repair, toning muscles, increasing blood circulation, encouraging lymphatic drainage, combating puffiness and swelling and improving skin care product penetration. Ultrasound may be used on most parts of the body, including the face, neck, arms, breasts, stomach, waist, hips, buttocks, and legs and can now be used in the comfort of your own home.
What happens when ultrasound enters the body?
When ultrasound enters the body it reacts in various ways. It is absorbed by muscle, tendons and bone. Harder surfaces like bone will absorb and reflect ultrasound energy. All of these play a role in the eventual total temperature rise in the surrounding tissue.
What Type of Conductive Gel Should Be Used During Treatment?
It is critical that a water soluble gel be used during treatment because it has been found to be the best conductor of ultrasonic sound waves. Plain water, oil or any oil-based creams or lotions do not contain conductive ionic properties and are not compatible during ultrasonic skin care treatment. Damage may occur to your ultrasonic treatment head if applied to the skin without using the correct conductive medium, or any conductive medium at all.
Why use conductive gel for facial massage?
In order to optimize the penetration of the cyclical sound waves produced by the ultrasonic facial massager, a conductive gel must be used. Besides encouraging improved conductivity, the gel also penetrates deep into the skin. As such, many estheticians use quality optimized gels that contain skin-firming ingredients such as Jellen® Peptide Power™ Conductive Facial Gel.
Does Ultrasonic work overnight?
Results can vary by individual and skin type, are gradual, and will not just occur over night. Although Ultrasonic treatment has been shown to produce an immediate and temporary firming effect, continued daily application will provide more cumulative long-term, lasting results.
Is ultrasonic facial safe?
The ultrasonic facial is considered a safe, easy and gentle skin rejuvenation treatment however the following precautions should always be taken during treatment: Do not use internally and avoid using near center of the throat to avoid thyroid stimulation. Do not use on open sores, wounds or infected areas.
Is water soluble gel good for ultrasonic?
It is critical that a water soluble gel be used during treatment because it has been found to be the best conductor of ultra sonic sound waves. Plain water, oil or any oil-based creams or lotions do not contain conductive ionic properties and are not compatible during ultrasonic skin care treatment.
Why is ultrasound therapy used?
The application of Ultrasound Therapy helps in increasing the blood flow of a localized area in order to reduce the swelling and inflammation in that area. It is also used to enhance the healing of a bone fracture. 1.
What is the most common condition that can be treated with ultrasound?
The most common conditions that can be treated using Ultrasound therapy are: TENDONITIS / TENDINITIS: It is a general term that is used to define the inflammation of the tendon tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. This is the most common cause of soft-tissue pain.
What is the depth of penetration of an ultrasound beam?
Depth of penetration and intensity of the ultrasonic beam is the division of the beam into a near and a far-field. The near and far-fields arise because the wavefronts from different parts of the source have to travel different distances and consequently there is interference between adjacent fronts. At some points, the interference is constructive at other points the interference is destructive. The extent of the near field is of significance in that it is more intense than the far-field and may have a more profound effect in the treatment of certain conditions. The frequency of the ultrasound and radius of the transducer may need to be considered when treating tissues at a depth greater than 6.5cm.
How does ultrasound work?
The procedure begins with the application of gel either on the head of the probe or directly to the skin. This gel basically helps the sound waves to penetrate into the skin evenly.
What is the purpose of a low intensity pulsed ultrasound?
Softening of any existing scar tissue. A low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is used for fracture repair.
How does mechanical ultrasound work?
Mechanical Ultrasound therapy. This therapy uses single the vibration of sound waves to penetrate tissue. It actually causes the expansion and contraction in the tiny gas bubbles of the soft tissues which then helps to reduce the inflammation, reducing tissue swelling and thus decreasing pain in the tissue.
What is the treatment for soft tissue?
1. Thermal Ultrasound Therapy. This therapy involves the continuous transfer of sound waves resulting in small vibrations in the deep tissue molecules. These vibrations increase heat and friction in the molecules. This heating effect results in the increases in the metabolism of the tissue cells resulting in the healing of the soft tissues.
What is ultrasonic treatment?
Ultrasonic treatment refers to sound waves beyond the audible frequency range, i.e., equal or more than 20 kHz ( Chandrapala et al., 2012 ). When used alone, US technology is not very effective for microbial inactivation ( Li and Farid, 2016 ), however, combining with other preservation processes, such as heat and/or pressure, increases treatment efficacy ( Chemat et al., 2011 ). By comparison with other microorganisms, S. aureus was found to be very resistant to US treatment. Marchesini et al. (2015) evaluated US treatment efficacy against various microorganisms in full fat milk. The strongest treatment (100% of amplitude × 300 s) reduced the bacterial populations by 4.61, 2.75, and 2.09 for Debaryomyces hansenii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and E. coli, respectively. In contrast, for S. aureus only 0.55 log reduction was achieved. Also Birmpa et al. (2013) found S. aureus to be the most resistant to USs—among tested bacteria, i.e., E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria innocua, the maximum reductions for S. aureus achieved on fresh produce in buffered peptone water were the lowest (1.71 and 2.41 log reduction of S. aureus on lettuce and strawberries, respectively).
What does ultrasound treatment change?
Ultrasonic treatment changed the potential toward a more negative value indicating the destruction of a formerly (during immersion, before ultrasound treatment) built-up oxide layer.
How efficient are ultrasonic generators?
The energetic efficiency of ultrasonic generators and transducers has also been improved over the years, thereby reducing internal heating (and subsequent expensive cooling systems), which often caused system failure. Current systems have an energy efficiency around 85%, which simply means that most of the power sent to the transducer is transferred into the medium ( Patist and Bates, 2008 ). Depending on the application, the amount of energy required per liter material treated (often defined as kWh/L) is comparable to any other unit operation in the industry. Depending on the amplitude and the abrasiveness of the medium, the lifetime of a sonotrode ranges from 1 to 18 months ( Patist and Bates, 2008 ).
What are the factors that affect the resistance of microorganisms to ultrasonic treatment?
(2003) described the main factors that affect the resistance of microorganisms to ultrasonic treatment as (1) amplitude of the US waves, (2) treatment time, (3) food product properties (bul kier food products may not propagate the waves uniformly, especially nonhomogeneous foods), (4) food composition, and (5) operation temperature. The size, shape, and type of microorganism (Gram-negative vs Gram-positive) are also to be considered in inactivation studies by US, as Gram-positive bacteria are known to be more resistant than Gram-negative bacteria due to their thick peptidoglycan layer, while larger cells are more sensitive to US than the smaller ones, since the former have a larger contact area and “target points” to the US (Chemat et al., 2011 ).
Why are fruits and vegetables better treated with ultrasound?
There might be two reasons behind this improved appeal. One is the changes in the epidermal wax layer of the product and the other is the reactions in pigments. Ultrasound waves cause destructions in the wax layers of epi cuticle on the fruit or vegetable cell surface. This makes the commodity looks brighter than the untreated ones (Fava, 2017 ). Application of ultrasound engenders significant reactions in pigments. The pigments of the product would undergo multiple modifications such as isomerization and oxidation on sonication. Impact of ultrasound on pigments is explained in detail in the forthcoming section. The changes in the color of the commodity are influenced widely based on the characteristics of applied ultrasonic waves.
How does ultrasound affect metal?
The effect of ultrasound on metal surface was depending on the metals corrosion state, which in turn depended on the amount of chloride ions. Effect of pH, ionic strength, and presence of corrosion inhibitors was studied by Tomlinson and Talks (1991).
Can ultrasound be used on solid foods?
Ultrasound has also been tested for micro bial inactivation on solid foods, but this technology is usually not suitable for this type of product. For instance, Seymour et al. (2002) used ultrasound to remove microorganisms from the surface of vegetable pieces, which afterward were deactivated by chemical sanitizers.
What is ultrasonic diathermy?
Ultrasonic diathermy is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as pain, muscle spasms and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies. The sound waves are transmitted through a round-headed wand that the therapist applies to the skin with gentle, circular movements.
How long does a sound therapy gel last?
Treatments usually last between five and 10 minutes.
Does ultrasonic therapy hurt?
Ultrasonic therapy does not hurt (there may be a bit of a tingling sensation and/or a sensation of warmth) if the therapist keeps the wand moving continuously. If, however, the wand is held in place for more than a few seconds, it can become uncomfortable at higher energies.
Can you use ultrasound to treat a condition?
While ultrasonic therapy can be used to treat the conditions described above, it is important to know that there are situations and areas of the body where it cannot safely be used. You should notify the practitioner administering the ultrasound if any of the following applies to you:
Is ultrasonic diathermy FDA approved?
You should also be aware that commercial ultrasonic diathermy devices may exist that have not been formally evaluated by FDA. Typically, these devices will claim to treat a range of diseases, disorders, and have other uses that are not covered in the description above (for example, to reduce wrinkles on the face).
How long does it take for an ultrasonic to work?
This is moved continuously over the skin for approximately 3-5 mins. Treatments may be repeated 1-2 times daily in more acute injuries and less frequently in chronic cases.
What is ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound Therapy. Ultrasound therapy has been used as an electrotherapy treatment modality by therapists over the last 50 years.It involves passing high frequency sound waves into soft tissue.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasonic waves or sound waves of a high frequency that is not audible to the human ear are produced by means of mechanical vibration in the metal treatment head of the ultrasound machine. The treatment head is then moved over the surface of the skin in the region of the injury transmitting the energy into the tissues.
How does ultrasound affect collagen?
As the ultrasound waves pass from the treatment head into the skin they cause the vibration of the surrounding tissues, particularly those that contain collagen. This increased vibration leads to the production of heat within the tissue. In most cases, this cannot be felt by the patient themselves. This increase in temperature may cause an increase in the extensibility of structures such as ligaments, tendons, scar tissue, and fibrous joint capsules. In addition, heating may also help to reduce pain and muscle spasm and promote the healing process.
Why is ultrasound therapy important?
One of the greatest proposed benefits of ultrasound therapy is that it is thought to reduce the healing time of certain soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound is thought to accelerate the normal resolution time of the inflammatory process by attracting more mast cells to the site of injury.
Why do you put ultrasound gel on your skin?
When sound waves come into contact with air it causes a dissipation of the waves, and so a special ultrasound gel is placed on the skin to ensure maximal contact between the treatment head and the surface of the skin and to provide a medium through with the sound waves can travel. Ultrasound can also be applied underwater which is also a medium ...
Does ultrasound help with scar tissue?
Hence ultrasound may accelerate the proliferative phase of tissue healing. It is thought to improve the extensibility of mature collagen and so can have a positive effect on fibrous scar tissue which may form after an injury.
Why is ultrasonic cavitation so popular?
Ultrasonic cavitation appeals to many people partly because recovery time is minimal.
How much does ultrasonic cavitation cost?
Costs vary according to the area you’re getting treated and whether you need repeated treatment sessions, but the average is around $250–$350 per treatment.
How many women were tested for ultrasonic cavitation?
tested the effectiveness of ultrasonic cavitation for 50 women who were considered medically overweight. Half of the women simply followed a low-calorie diet, while the other half had the low-calorie diet with radiofrequency and ultrasound body contouring procedures.
How much does fat removal cost?
how many treatments you need. The average cost of nonsurgical fat removal treatment is $1,300. There aren’t a lot of additional costs for this treatment besides your provider’s fee. No anesthesia is typically necessary. Ultrasonic cavitation appeals to many people partly because recovery time is minimal.
What is ultrasound cavitation?
About. Ultrasonic cavitation, or ultrasound cavitation, is a cosmetic procedure that’s used to break apart fat deposits in your body. The treatment claims to work as an effective, less invasive alternative to liposuction.
Where is cavitation most effective?
Ultrasonic cavitation is also frequently performed on the: stomach. hips.
Can you use alcohol for ultrasonic cavitation?
The procedure for ultrasonic cavitation is pretty straightforward. On the day of your appointment, your doctor may ask you to undress in private and put on a paper gown, depending on the area of your body that you’re treating. Your doctor may sterilize the area of your treatment using alcohol.
How to lose fat after ultrasonic cavitation?
It is impossible to know the exact amount of fat lost . You must continue consuming a healthy and balanced diet and getting adequate fluids after undergoing ultrasonic cavitation. Consider having a low-calorie diet by eating fewer carbohydrates and foods with a low glycemic index (e.g. fruits and vegetables).
Which body parts are best for ultrasonic cavitation?
Such areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, and upper arms. This procedure cannot be performed on body parts like the head, neck, and other bony areas of the body.
How long does it take to see results of ultrasonic cavitation?
Each session is around 45 to 75 minutes. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to see the results of ultrasonic cavitation.
Does ultrasonic cavitation help with cellulite?
However, this procedure cannot be used for weight loss treatment on its own. Ultrasonic cavitation is best for reducing cellulite and adipose fat. This improves body shape and contour ...
Is it better to do regular exercise or non-invasive?
Doing regular exercises is more effective in reducing body weight and the risk of developing coronary medical conditions. Pros and Cons of Using Non-Invasive Methods of Fat Reduction. Using non-invasive methods to reduce body fat has its advantages and disadvantages. Pros: Requires little to no downtime.
Who should not undergo the procedure?
The following individuals should not undergo the procedure: Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Persons showing skinfold lower than 2 cm. Infection or inflammation in the region where the procedure will be done. Individuals with a history of malignancies. People with a cardiac pacemaker or other metal implants.
Is ultrasonic cavitation safe?
Ultrasonic cavitation is a safe FDA approved procedure. Since the procedure is non-invasive, there is no downtime needed. The destroyed fat cells do not grow back. The results of ultrasonic cavitation can last with continued weight maintenance activities.
What is ultrasonic cavitation treatment?
Ultrasonic cavitation is an FDA-cleared, nonsurgical fat reduction treatment. Also called ultrasound cavitation, ultra cavitation, fat cavitation, or cavi lipo, the procedure uses ultrasound waves to destroy fat cells in targeted treatment areas—typically the upper arms, belly, love handles, thighs, or chin.
What are the pros and cons of ultrasonic cavitation?
Ultrasonic cavitation is painless, leaves no scars, and requires no anesthesia.
How much does ultrasonic cavitation cost?
The price you pay will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, how many sessions you have, and how many areas you have treated.
How long does it take to see results from ultrasonic cavitation?
You can expect to see your final results about three months after your last treatment session, but the rate at which results appear depends on how effective your body’s lymphatic system is at flushing out the damaged cells.
Does ultrasonic cavitation tighten skin or leave loose skin?
This isn' t a skin tightening treatment. “Current conventional external ultrasonic cavitation devices focus their energy at a deeper fat level, rather than close to the skin, and only result in less than 1°C of temperature change” says Dr. Nichter. Skin contracts when it's heated, which doesn't happen with fat cavitation.
Can ultrasonic cavitation get rid of cellulite?
It’s common to see ultrasound cavitation offered as a cellulite reduction treatment, but Dr. Rowe says its efficacy is, “typically, very limited.”
Is ultrasonic cavitation better than CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting uses fat freezing to target and kill fat cells, while ultrasound fat cavitation uses ultrasound waves to reduce fat deposits. Here's how the two treatments compare.
Why do doctors use ultrasonic devices?
Doctors using ultrasonic devices for the spine claim that this proprietary technology makes surgery safer and better. The ultrasonic tool causes less disruption to bones, joints and tissue, pain alleviation which translates into a faster recovery time than traditional spine surgeries.
WHAT IS ULTRASONIC SPINE SURGERY?
Ultrasonic spine surgery purports to be a cutting edge minimally invasive surgery that incorporates the use of ultrasound waves in order to minimize disruption of normal tissue.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is a catch-all term that encompasses a number of different approaches and different tools. Lasers, ultrasonic scalpels and endoscopes are all tools that can be used in both open and minimally invasive spine surgeries (MIS). This means that just, because a surgeon is using a laser or ultrasonic scalpel, ...
Why do companies use lasers?
Companies do this because they know consumers find the idea of laser surgery attractive. As Mark R. McLaughlin, neurosurgeon and founder of Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine, observes: “Lasers have always connotated cutting-edge precision. It is only natural that introducing this into surgery could be considered by the public as something that might benefit and enhance procedures.”
Can you use ultrasonic tools in spine surgery?
Ultrasonic tools are widely used in traditional healthcare settings, and not just in spine surgery. Most likely, your local hospital has ultrasonic spine tools in its operating room. But, they’re just tools, not the miraculous, cure-all piece of futuristic equipment that marketers make them out to be.
Is laser surgery minimally invasive?
This means that just, because a surge on is using a laser or ultrasonic scalpel , they may not necessarily be performing a surgery that is truly minimally invasive. The key to any surgery is not just the tool but the approach coupled with experience and the skill of the surgeon who will employ the best tools for that particular patient and situation.
Is laser spine surgery a non profit?
Just look at the success of laser spine surgery. MedStar – the not-for-profit healthcare organization that runs Georgetown University’s hospital – has rightfully pointed out that “No recognized health authority in the United States recommends laser spine surgery.”.
