Diagnostic ultrasound (DU) has become increasingly popular as a treatment for frozen shoulder due to its non-invasive and cost-effective nature. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of range of motion that occurs in the shoulder joint usually after an injury or other condition has caused inflammation in the joint. While DU can be effective in reducing pain associated with frozen shoulder and helping to restore range of motion, it can also have potential side effects that must be taken into consideration.
How Does Diagnostic Ultrasound Work For Frozen Shoulder?
During diagnostic ultrasound for frozen shoulder, sound waves are generated from the device that are then directed into the affected joint area. The sound waves travel into muscle and soft tissues located around the joint capsule and cause microscopic vibrations that help to break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation. The sound waves reverberate through the affected area which creates heat which helps improve circulation in that area, helping facilitate healing.
For more information, click here- frozen shoulder treatment
What Benefits Does DU Provide For Treating Frozen Shoulder?
Diagnostic ultrasound is beneficial for treating frozen shoulder due to its non-invasive nature with minimal discomfort to the patient. It can also provide lasting results even after therapy is completed. Patients will begin to notice improvement within three weeks with benefits continuing over a longer period of time than other treatments such as steroid injections or physical therapy alone. DU has been reported to provide a nearly 50% reduction in pain and inflammation resulting from frozen shoulder following 8-10 sessions conducted two times per week over 4-6 weeks.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With DU for Treating Frozen Shoulder?
In some cases, patients have reported feeling soreness during or after their diagnostic ultrasound treatment but this sensation is temporary and should disappear quickly within 24 hours of treatment completion. In rare cases, some patients have reported experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure or dizziness during QU sessions but these symptoms typically aren’t severe enough to cause complications when monitored by experienced practitioners.
Diagnostic Ultrasound Helps Identify Frozen Shoulder Quickly
Diagnostic ultrasound is particularly effective in diagnosing frozen shoulder because it produces high-resolution images that can reveal small tears or breakdowns within the connective tissue that make up the capsule of your shoulder joint. These images can reveal what treatments will be most effective for reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the affected area.
Ultrasound Accelerates Healing Process
When a patient has been diagnosed with frozen shoulder, diagnostic ultrasound helps guide physical therapy so that it can effectively target areas of thickened tissue or soft-tissue adhesions that are causing restrictions and pain throughout movement. Ultrasound energy applied directly to these areas helps promote healing by breaking down scar tissue and restoring elongated collagen fibers so full range of motion can eventually be achieved.
Ultrasound Therapy Benefits Muscles as Well
In addition to its use on injured joints, therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to benefit muscle composition as well. It’s thought that ultrasound waves interact with cells and muscles to stimulate them, helping repair fibers while improving both range of motion and mobility function—beneficial information when freezing occurs between muscles rather than just one or two areas24) Researchers have determined that there is greater benefits experienced when patients receive multiple sessions over several weeks compared to limited exposure during fewer visits (five sessions at 12 week intervals).
