Bone injuries are inevitable – whether you live an active lifestyle or not. One of the more common injuries is a bone contusion which is also known as bone bruise. This happens when you injure the surface of a bone. It is completely different from a fracture since the latter is a serious injury in the deeper area of the bone. Usual signs of a bone contusion are joint swelling, general stiffness and recurring pain in the affected area, and difficulty in using injured joints.
While there are several treatments out there, therapy using ultrasound can help bone contusions caused by crashes. It has been proven to be an effective way to relieve pain and expedite the healing process ever since it was developed as medically accepted practice in the early 1940s.
How ultrasound therapy works
A round metal-headed probe is placed directly on the surface of the affected area which emits ultrasonic waves (0.8 – 3.0MHz). Throughout the three to five minute treatment duration, the metal wand is kept in constant circular motion.
To maximize the absorption of sound waves, a special gel is applied on the affected area. This will cause heating and vibration in tissues, tendons, and ligaments which support the healing process.
Benefits of ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound is widely believed to help bone contusions caused by crashes. These are some of the palpable benefits when a patient opts for said treatment:
Its thermal effect hastens the healing process because of increased circulation in the affected area.
Its “cavitational” effect or the forming of microscopic bubbles underneath the skin stimulates cell repair, reducing pain and swelling.
It gently stretches muscle tendons and ligaments providing better support for bone injuries.
It helps pinpoint the exact location of the bone contusion and the gravity of the injury because the patient experiences a sharp pain if there is even the minutest break in the bone.
It is known to accurately distinguish whether the injury is just a contusion or a minor fracture typically not evident in x-ray results.
Contraindications of ultrasound therapy
Just with any intervention, ultrasound therapy may not be for everybody. Increased circulation, for example, may also increase the chance of spreading malignance elsewhere in the body or causing a hemorrhage. This particular therapy is not advisable for patients with the following pre-existing conditions:
Cancerous tissue
Acute infections
Prone to hemorrhage
Obtrusive tissue
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Bone fracture
Pregnant women and children are also discouraged from undergoing this therapy.
As with undergoing other kinds of treatment, it is important to do your research before opting for this particular therapy. While science backs the fact that ultrasound can help bone contusions caused by crashes and other reasons, it is still essential that you know what you are getting into.
Likewise imperative is looking into the professional’s experience in administering this ultrasound therapy. If you have any questions about the therapy, or would like more information about it, do not hesitate to contact us at the South Florida Injury Centers. We are experienced with the device, and are proud to offer professional, thoughtful, and gentle care.
