Benefits of the Use of Ultrasound in Physical Therapy

June 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment

If you have ever thought of using ultrasound for physical therapy, take a look at this article by Erica Jacques for more information. Give us a call at 619-756-7500 if you have any additional questions!

Ultrasound can help to prepare a muscle for stretching.
Ultrasound, according to Alain-Yvan Belanger, is the most commonly used modality in physical therapy today. Its use dates all the way back to the 1880s. Ultrasound machines generate sound waves that are higher than the frequency we can hear. The effect of these sound waves on the body’s tissues produces a number of benefits.

Deeper Heat
According to Belanger, the way ultrasound generates heat is through the vibrations caused by the sound waves. When tissues vibrate, this increases friction all the way down to the molecular level, causing the temperature of the targeted tissues to rise. This is a benefit of ultrasound over a traditional hot pack, which cannot penetrate into deeper musculature or joint tissues. Ultrasound heads are available in a variety of frequencies that can target a variety of depths, which gives a skilled therapist the ability to send heat exactly where she wants it to go. Some conditions that may benefit from this deeper heat, according to Belanger, include osteoarthritis and phantom limb pain.

Deeper Stretch
The deep heat generated by ultrasound can help to relax a tense or strained muscle. According to Spine Universe, this can help to minimize muscle spasms and shortening often associated with tension or injury. Spine Universe reports that ultrasound therapy has the added benefit of increasing range of motion.

Tissue Healing
Ultrasound’s deep heat is thought to have a healing effect on deep tissues. According to Belanger, ultrasound actually affects the metabolism of soft tissue cells. In addition, these cells often become more receptive to healing fluids, which are present in the increased blood flow generated by ultrasound. Because of this, Belanger goes on to report that ultrasound’s healing benefits may be useful in treating surgical wounds and soft tissue lesions.

Scar Tissue Control
Another benefit of ultrasound is its acoustic effect. The waves generated by ultrasound cause tiny vibrations in the cells of the soft tissues. These microvibrations, as Belanger describes them, have an effect on the fibers that form scar tissue. Over time, ultrasound used in this method can actually prevent some scar tissue from forming, and may be able to break some scar tissue down. Examples of success in scar tissue management are episiotomy scars as well as Dupuytren’s contracture, which is caused by excessive scarring in the tissues of the palm. As with its thermal effects, ultrasound used to break up scar tissue can also maintain and increase range of motion.

Reduced Pain
Some of the pain control from ultrasound comes from the mechanical results of the treatment itself. These include the decreased muscle spasms and muscle tightness as well as tissue healing. However, an added benefit of ultrasound comes not from what it does, but what it can help a physical therapist do. Combining the heating and healing powers of ultrasound prepares muscles for other therapeutic treatments that reduce pain, including stretching and strengthening.

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WHY IS STRETCHING AFTER WORKING OUT IMPORTANT?

November 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

A: This is a great question because it addresses the importance not only of practicing stretching but also the best and safest technique for performing this valuable type of exercise.

Why stretch? Stretching increases flexibility, a key component of physical fitness that is often neglected. A greater degree of flexibility is believed to help prevent injury (and low back pain) and improve sports performance. We lose flexibility as we age, so practicing a regular program of stretching the major muscle groups can help prevent loss of flexibility and its associated negative impact on quality of life in our golden years.

Stretching properly involves a slow, steady elongation of the muscles and tendons to the point of tightness—never pain—and holding the stretch for several seconds. (Never use bouncing or ballistic-type stretching, which can cause injury.) It is best to stretch muscles that have been warmed up internally from exercise as opposed to cold muscles. In fact, stretching cold muscles can actually increase risk of injury, as a cold muscle is more prone to strains! Think of a muscle as if it were a rubber band. If you stretch cold rubber, it snaps and breaks; however, if you warm the rubber first, it stretches more elastically and fluidly, like taffy.

Stretching is different from “warming up.” A warm-up is what you do before you begin a bout of exercise and generally consists of a low-intensity version of the exercise you are planning on engaging in (such as a fast walk before a jog). A good exercise routine would be to warm up (work up a light sweat and raise the internal temperature of your muscles), followed by a series of brief stretches, then perform your exercise bout, warm down and end with another series of stretches. Practice this plan and you will have a well-rounded fitness routine.

Posted by Dr. Janet Brill

– See more at: http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/our-solution/fitness-tips/why-is-stretching-after-working-out-important/#sthash.EfBNRkzh.dpuf

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Golf Injury Prevention

October 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Although golfing does not involve high intensity cardiovascular activity, injury is still possible. Give this article a read to learn more about golfing injuries and ways to remedy them. Then come to see us at San Diego Sports Physical Therapy to rehabilitate your injuries today – 619.756.7500

Many people consider golf a low-level physical activity without much risk for injury. Many injuries can be caused by playing golf, however, including injuries to the ankle, elbow, spine, knee, hip, and wrist.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 55,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms for golf-related injuries in 2009.

Types of Golf Injuries
Most golf injuries are the result of overuse. By repeating the same golf swing motion over and over again, significant stress is placed on the same muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this can cause injury.

Golfers most often experience hand tenderness or numbness, and may also have shoulder, back, and knee pain. Golfer’s elbow and wrist injuries, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, may also occur.

Golfer’s Elbow
Leading the list of injuries is golfer’s elbow, technically known as medial epicondylitis. Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the inside of the bone at your elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.

One of the best ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen your forearm muscles and slow your golf swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball is hit.

The following simple exercises can help build up your forearm muscles and help you avoid golfer’s elbow. For best results, do these exercises during the off-season, as well.

Squeeze a tennis ball. Squeezing an old tennis ball for 5 minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.

Wrist curls. Use a lightweight dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers, and then curl the weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, and then repeat with the other arm.

Reverse wrist curls. Use a lightweight dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, and then repeat with the other arm.

Low Back Pain
Low back pain is another common complaint among golfers. It is often caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles.

Also, poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can easily become severe injuries.

Here are some simple exercises to help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.

Rowing. Firmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Pull Downs. With the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Yoga and Pilates. These exercise programs focus on trunk and abdomen strength, as well as flexibility.

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General Injury Prevention Tips
One of the best ways to get ready for your golf game might be considered old-fashioned. Before your round of golf, do some simple stretching exercises, focusing on your shoulders, back, and legs. Then get a bucket of balls and hit a few golf balls on the driving range. It not only will help your game, but will make you healthier in the long run.
Protect your skin by using sunscreen. Wear sunglasses to filter out UVA and UVB rays, and wear a hat with a visor to shade your eyes and face.
Make sure you are well hydrated before, during, and after your game. Replace your fluids, whether you feel thirsty or not.
When riding in a golf cart, keep your feet inside the cart. Players have broken ankles when their feet have gotten caught under moving golf carts.
Always be aware of your environment and other players on the course. It is possible to sustain a soft-tissue injury by being hit by a golf ball.
Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2009; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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Last reviewed: August 2011
AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS “Find an Orthopaedist” program on this website.

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