Most of us are familiar with common pain management techniques, such as physical therapy, diet, exercise, natural approaches, medication, and medical procedures. But what about ultrasound? Ultrasound’s role in diagnosing and treating pain, both chronic and ongoing, is widely unknown. Despite ongoing research, the application of ultrasound machines in pain management clinics has become increasingly common. Wondering how pain management clinics benefit from ultrasound? Let’s check out some of the reasons why ultrasound is an invaluable tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
It Has Potential Healing Effects
The main purpose of ultrasound-guided pain management is to promote the healing process of a recovering injury. Therapeutic ultrasound can evaluate and treat a variety of pain issues, including muscle, joint, ligament, and tendon pain.
This healing power comes from two primary mechanisms: thermal effects and non-thermal mechanical effects.
- Thermal Effects: When the sound waves are absorbed by soft tissues, they create heat, which increases local blood flow. This improved circulation helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the injured area, aiding in the removal of waste products and reducing swelling. The gentle warmth also helps to relax muscles and increase the elasticity of collagen fibers, which can improve range of motion and decrease stiffness.
- Non-Thermal Effects: Beyond the warmth, ultrasound also produces microscopic mechanical effects, such as a process called cavitation and acoustic streaming. These subtle movements at a cellular level stimulate cell membranes and protein synthesis, which can accelerate tissue regeneration and repair. This is particularly beneficial for breaking down scar tissue and promoting the rebuilding of healthy tissue.
Therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to increase tissue and local blood flow, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in tissues and speed up the healing of bone fractures. It can also be used to break down scar tissue. Some conditions and injuries that can be managed or treated with ultrasound include:
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
- Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Pain caused by scar tissue
- Phantom limb pain
- Sprains and strains
It Allows for Increased Visualization
Ultrasound allows for improved visualization of surrounding soft tissue structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and tendons, which can be difficult to locate during real-time X-rays and the use of other imaging modalities, if not impossible. It gives practitioners easy visualization of the joint, surrounding structures, and other objects in the path of the needle, which can help them avoid unwanted complications and unnecessary pain for their patients. In addition, ultrasounds allow practitioners to identify and view any fluid that has accumulated in and around a patient’s muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, and other soft-tissue structures.
It’s Radiation-Free, Cost-Efficient, and Easy to Use
Another way pain management clinics benefit from ultrasound is through the inexpensive cost, ease of use, and lack of complications associated with ultrasound-guided pain management. Unlike traditional radiologic imaging technologies, ultrasound is radiation-free and eliminates the risks associated with contrast agents. It’s a logical alternative to CT-guided or CAT scan injections, which can be harmful, time-consuming, and expensive. Patients with pacemakers who can’t be diagnosed or treated by other common imaging modalities can safely undergo ultrasound-guided procedures. Ultrasounds are also beneficial to patients who don’t like receiving injections. Through a process known as phonophoresis, practitioners can use ultrasound to introduce medicines that are normally applied through the skin.
This technology offers several key advantages for both patients and practitioners:
- Radiation-Free: Eliminates risks associated with radiation exposure.
- Cost-Efficient: Provides a logical and more affordable alternative to CT-guided injections.
- Safe for Patients with Pacemakers: Allows for safe procedures for those who cannot be treated by other imaging modalities.
Your Partner for High-Quality Ultrasound Equipment
At MXR Imaging, we’re dedicated to supplying you with the efficient, high-quality ultrasound technology you need to do your job. We have transducer probes, replacement parts, professional repair services, and some of the latest ultrasound technology, including the GE LOGIQ E9™.
