Application of Ultrasound Therapy in Shoulder Treatment

Ultrasound therapy, as a non-invasive physical therapy method, has been widely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Especially in the treatment of shoulders, ultrasound therapy has shown remarkable efficacy. This article will explore the principles, applications and effects of ultrasound therapy in the treatment of shoulder diseases.

The basic principle of ultrasound therapy is to use the propagation characteristics of high-frequency sound waves in human tissues to produce mechanical effects, thermal effects and cavitation effects, thereby promoting tissue repair and relieving pain. The frequency of ultrasound is usually between 0.8MHz and 3MHz, and it can penetrate the skin and enter deep tissues. By adjusting the intensity, frequency and pulse pattern of ultrasound, personalized treatment can be performed for different pathological conditions.

Application of Ultrasound Therapy in Shoulder Disease

1. Calcific tendonitis

Calcific tendinitis is a common disease of the shoulder that manifests as calcium salt deposits in the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and dysfunction. Multiple studies have shown that ultrasound therapy is effective in relieving symptoms of calcific tendonitis. For example, a randomized, double-blind controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that patients who received ultrasound therapy had significantly better resolution of calcium deposits at six-week and nine-month follow-up than those who received sham treatment . Researchers used pulsed ultrasound with a frequency of 0.89MHz and an intensity of 2.5 W/cm² for treatment once a day for 15 minutes. The results showed that ultrasound therapy can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and shoulder function.

2. Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury

Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries are also common causes of shoulder pain and limited mobility. Ultrasound therapy can promote inflammation absorption and tissue repair by increasing local blood circulation. The mechanical vibration of ultrasound can stimulate cell activity and accelerate the healing process of damaged tissue. In addition, ultrasound therapy can relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain. One study of patients with frozen shoulder found that after four weeks of ultrasound treatment, the patients' pain scores decreased significantly and their shoulder joint range of motion increased significantly.

3. Adhesions of shoulder joint

Adhesions in the shoulder joint are usually caused by an inflammatory reaction after long-term immobilization or surgery. Ultrasound therapy can soften scar tissue and increase joint mobility. The mechanical vibration generated by ultrasound can destroy the structure of adhesion tissue and promote its rearrangement, thereby improving the mobility of joints. A study of patients with shoulder adhesions found that ultrasound therapy combined with exercise therapy significantly improved the patients' range of motion and ability to perform daily activities.

Advantages of Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy, as a non-invasive treatment method, has the following advantages:

1. High safety: Ultrasound therapy usually does not produce serious side effects and is a safe and reliable treatment method.

2. Remarkable efficacy: Multiple clinical studies have shown that ultrasound therapy can effectively relieve shoulder pain and improve joint function.

3. Easy to operate: Ultrasonic therapy equipment is simple to operate and easy to use at home and in clinics.

4. Personalized treatment: The frequency, intensity and pulse mode of ultrasound can be adjusted according to the patient's specific condition to provide personalized treatment.

Conclusion

Ultrasound therapy has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of shoulder conditions. Through mechanical, thermal and cavitation effects, ultrasound therapy can promote tissue repair, relieve pain and improve joint function. Ultrasound therapy is a safe, effective, and easy treatment option for conditions such as calcific tendonitis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder adhesions. With the continuous development of ultrasonic therapy technology, the application prospects of ultrasonic therapy in the treatment of shoulder diseases will be broader.