Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic Ultrasound is a modality that uses sound waves to create a mechanical vibration of the connective tissue. These sound waves can be adjusted to achieve various treatment effects, including tissue depth and temperature. The ultrasound waves pass through the skin, expanding and contracting into the tissue to provide a therapeutic result.

Therapeutic Ultrasound does not produce an image but rather is a method of:

• Reducing pain
• Decreasing inflammation
• Increasing soft tissue mobility
• Increasing wound healing

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation (E-stim) is a modality used in rehabilitation to improve pain, decrease muscular tension, and improve muscular contractions. E-stim involves placing pads on the skin over the target area and gradually applying an electrical current.

Common Types of Electrical Stimulation:

• NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation): Targeting the neuromuscular junction, NMES aids in muscular contraction, reeducation, and reduction of muscular atrophy.
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): TENS provides an alternative sensation to the area of pain, thereby interrupting/reducing the body’s pain signals traveling from the affected area to the brain. TENS is effective for both acute and chronic pain.
• IFC (Interferential Current): Available in a variety of wave forms to be adjusted for comfort, IFC is effective for pain relief, improved blood flow, and edema reduction.
• Iontophoresis: Iontophoresis is a type of electrical stimulation used to administer medication to target areas of the body. Very well suited for superficial structures, Iontophoresis uses the polarity of the medication for application. Providing a negative current to a negative solution gradually transitions the solution through the skin. Iontophoresis is effective for both acute and chronic conditions.

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