Ultrasound Stim Combo Therapy, Ultrasound Machine, Diagnostic Imaging

What is Ultrasound Stim Combo Therapy?

Many people are familiar with the term ultrasound, but not everyone knows of its therapeutic application. High frequency sound waves are used in therapeutic ultrasound to generate tissue vibration that creates heat in the treatment area. This increases blood flow to surrounding tissue, delivering important nutrients and removing waste.

Ultrasound therapy is used to promote healing of tissues and fractures, reduce edema, reduce pain, increase range of motion and circulation, decrease muscle spasms, and remodel collagen (a primary protein used to create tissues). When administering ultrasound, the therapist uses a coupling medium (or gel) to better transmit sound waves.

Electrical stimulation (electrotherapy) is another common modality. Carefully placed electrodes deliver electrical currents to specific muscles, thus promoting neuro-muscular reeducation, decreasing pain through nerve blocks, reducing muscle atrophy and spasms, and increasing range of motion. This sensory stimulation also reduces edema and is used to address post-traumatic or post-surgical acute pain, post-surgical stimulation of muscles to prevent venous thrombosis, drug delivery and wound healing.

Where are ultrasound stim combo therapy units used?

These units that combine multiple forms of therapy are found in doctor’s offices, hospitals, sports therapy clinics, physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation facilities and wherever physical therapy is administered.

The use of combined modalities can often maximize results, and is made feasible by combination ultrasound stim combo units like those carried by Rehabmart.

Are all ultrasound stim combo therapy models the same?

Some units are particularly suitable for small practices, and are easily moved among treatment rooms. Others are more suitable for larger therapy practices and hospital settings. Different models include multiple waveforms for neuromuscular stimulation, and a variable number of channels of electrical stimulation.

Optional features on some models include:

- treatment stop switch (allows patient to stay in control during therapy)
- attachments suitable for use in underwater therapy
- the ability to use with patient data cards to easily reuse customized settings

Non-licensed practitioners must provide a prescription to purchase some models.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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