Has your doctor prescribed ultrasound therapy but you don’t know which device to choose?
Are you looking for a good ultrasound therapy device for your physiotherapy centre/studio?
You are in the right place. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer idea of which is the best ultrasound device for you.
Before getting into the details of models, prices and frequencies, let’s find out what the function of ultrasound is.
Ultrasound, what is it used for?
Ultrasound devices are devices that work by taking advantage of sonic waves that penetrate through the tissues of our body transferring energy.
As they get through, there is an increase in temperature that promotes microcirculation, thus increasing the blood stream in the treated area. This process is speeding up the healing recovery and reduces the perceived pain.
They are also very effective while treating muscular problems and also in cavitation, capable of causing the dissolution of fat cells in the tissues.
Low and high frequency ultrasound: the difference
If you are considering buying an ultrasound device, it is of relevance to know the difference between high and low frequency.
In general, high-frequency ultrasound therapy devices have a therapeutic effect (and in some cases also aesthetic) and can be used both in outpatient setting and at home. Their frequency spans between 1 to 3MHz. They are ideal for treating musculoskeletal disorders, both chronic and acute, such as: tendinitis, muscle pain, arthrosis.
Low-frequency devices, on the other hand, have an aesthetic purpose only. Frequencies between 30 and 50 kHz are ideal for reducing adipose tissue, treating cellulite and regenerating tissue by promoting vascularisation and lymphatic drainage.
How to choose the best ultrasound device for your needs?
Now that you’re more familiar with the use of ultrasound, and with the difference between high and low frequency, it is time to identify which model is ideal for you.
First of all, we advise you to make sure, before purchasing, that it is a professionally certified medical device.
Another factor of importance is the intensity. Make sure that the chosen device delivers the intensity that is required to treat your condition.
Also, it should not be underestimated the possibility of carrying the device with you at all times, so that you can complete the therapy basically anywhere. A solution that runs both on battery and mains power is ideal for those who move frequently and do not want to feel tied down.
- Powersonic: portable ultrasound device. Complete your therapy wherever you want with our battery-operated device.
Perfect for treating 13 conditions of the musculoskeletal system, it holds an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Mio-Sonic: ideal for the treatment of both chronic and acute muscle and nerve disorders and for recovery from injury. It can also be used for aesthetic purposes thanks to dedicated programs.
These devices are also suitable for home use.
The price of these devices ranges between 250 to 350 Euro.
If you are looking for a professional ultrasound device for use in an outpatient setting, with the possibility of performing submerging treatments, we also recommend our dedicated devices.
- I-Tech UT2: double handpiece (5cm² and 1cm²) and the option to choose the operating frequency (1-3MHz) to adapt the treatment to the patient’s therapeutic needs.
- I-Tech UE: a multipurpose device. Ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy and the possibility of combining the two therapies.
For which pathologies do we recommend ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound therapy devices are particularly practicable for treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Myofascial pain
- Muscle pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Venous ulcers
- Pressure sores
- Lower back pain
- Arthrosis
- Epicondylitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tendinitis
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Sciatica
It is a widespread therapeutic technique in the world of sport, excellent for muscle contractures.
This therapy is also extensively used in aesthetics for treating blemishes, reactivating local circulation and for promoting the absorption of active ingredients.
The benefits of using ultrasound equipment
Ultrasound therapy provides pain relief in just a few sessions.
Thanks to its antalgic effect, it is ideal for treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and decontracting agent. It promotes the reabsorption of haematomas and stimulates tissue healing.
The main therapeutic benefits include:
- relaxation of contracted muscles;
- biostimulation and trophic action;
- recovery of motor function;
- reduction of inflammatory states;
- increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues
If your doctor has prescribed ultrasound therapy sessions, you can safely start your therapy. On the contrary, we would like to highlight some cases in which we do not recommend its use.
Contraindications include: persons with severe arrhythmia, heart disease, severe cardiovascular problems; pacemaker wearers, people suffering from epilepsy, ongoing phlebitis, thrombophlebitis or in a febrile state. Those suffering from tuberculosis, malignant tumours and neoplasms. Local infections, venous thrombosis, arteriopathy or severe osteoporosis.
Before starting an ultrasound therapy cycle, we recommend those that are wearing metal implants in the affected area to first consult their doctor. Unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, the therapy is not recommended for pregnant women and children.
If you are wondering whether there are areas to avoid during treatment, the answer is yes.
The ultrasound device should not be used in hyposensitive areas, carotid artery, genitals. As well as near the abdomen, uterus and in areas of the body where glands are present.
Neck and mouth should not be subjected to ultrasound therapy. Finally, we recommend avoiding treatment with direct exposure of the eye to the ultrasound beam, using the device only below the cheekbone line.
How to use ultrasound equipment at home
One of the main benefits of ultrasound therapy is the possibility of performing the treatment in the comfort of your home. And it’s even better if the device in your hands is safe, intuitive and easy to use.
Therapy with our devices is really simple.
Just set the desired level of intensity and the time of treatment before starting the session.
For best results, we advise you to:
- Clean the area to be treated – in the case of excessive hair, we recommend hair removal.
- Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to the affected area.
An ultrasound therapy session can last 5-10-15 minutes, depending on the pathology to be treated.
You will find all references in the user manual inside the box.
Once all parameters have been set and an adequate amount of conductive gel has been applied, make sure that the head of the device is at direct contact with the surface of the skin. This condition must be perpetuated throughout the entire session. Perform the therapy by moving the head continuously and evenly around the treatment area, with slow, circular movements.
Now that you know how to perform a session, you may be wondering:
how soon will I be able to see the results?
There is no precise answer to this question, as it varies from person to person.
It depends very much on the health status of the person undergoing treatment, the progress of the disease itself, as well as the nature of the disease. Our 20 years’ experience in the area showed us that benefits for muscle treatments can be seen in about 15 days, while for bone tissue diseases, such as arthritis, the results are visible later, but at the same time they are faster than those of a magnetotherapy cycle for example.
Are you still in doubt about which one is the best ultrasound device for you?
Do not hesitate to contact us! We will give you all the information to guide you in choosing the most suitable device for your needs.
