Ultrasound Therapy - Downtown Vancouver

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At Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub, we are committed to providing our clients with the most effective and efficient physiotherapy treatments available. That is why we incorporate ultrasound therapy into our physiotherapy sessions, so that you can get back to feeling your best as soon as possible.

For over 50 years, ultrasound therapy has been used as one of the most effective non-invasive procedures to treat inflammation caused by injuries. It is used as an effective measure of treatment for many conditions, including the following tendonitis, frozen shoulder, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and more.

At Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub, we use ultrasound therapy to maximize the outcome of your treatments. Combining this with other forms of treatment, such as manual therapy, IMS, acupuncture, stretching and strengthening and exercise prescription, our physiotherapists and kinesiologists can get you back to feeling your best as quickly as possible!

Our Approach

What makes ultrasound therapy so effective is the mechanism it uses: we apply sound waves to the area of injury, which creates vibrations in the underlying tissues. This stimulates circulation in the area, which decreases inflammation and scar tissue while increasing your speed of recovery.

While ultrasound therapy is an effective method for treating acute and chronic issues, it is always most effective when it is used in a multidisciplinary approach. For the most difficult cases, Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub can recommend other types of therapies – massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and more – to treat your condition alongside physiotherapy and ultrasound. Those complementary treatments are available at Electra Health, a separate clinic in the same building, so they are easy to arrange.

What Can I Expect From My Session?

At your first appointment, you will meet with your physiotherapist. He or she will perform a comprehensive assessment, which involves assessing your body’s biomechanics through a series of range-of-motion and special tests. It also involves a detailed health history and any concerns or comments that you have.

From there, your therapist designs a plan for your session. In addition to ultrasound therapy, your session can involve manual therapy, IMS, acupuncture and stretching and strengthening exercises.

Based on the assessment and treatment session, your therapist will design a treatment plan for you. This can include further treatments, at-home stretching and strengthening exercises and exercise prescription. Your therapist may also recommend other types of modalities to accompany your ultrasound treatments.

Ultrasound is one of several tools our physiotherapists use. Read more about sports physiotherapy, tennis elbow treatment and running injury treatment at our clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ultrasound therapy painful?

No! When you receive ultrasound treatment, you should not feel any pain. At most, you may feel a slight warming sensation or tingling around the treated area.

Is ultrasound therapy covered under my insurance?

Yes! If you have coverage for physiotherapy or kinesiology, ultrasound is covered. And, we provide direct billing, so it can come at no cost to you.

We do always recommend that you check with your insurance provider to verify the extent of your coverage before coming in.

What are the benefits of ultrasound?

The benefits of ultrasound therapy are extensive, but some of the main benefits include:

reduced inflammation and swelling
increased healing rate
reduced pain
promotes relaxation
breaks down scar tissue

When should ultrasound not be used?

There are certain instances in which ultrasound therapy is contraindicated – meaning it would cause harm, rather than promote healing. The following are certain conditions and areas in which ultrasound therapy is not recommended:

in people with cancer or vascular problems
children
during pregnancy
near the eyes or heart
in individuals with pacemakers
over reproductive organs

What is the difference between ultrasound and other types of electrical treatments (shockwave or low-level laser)?

The difference between ultrasound and other electrical therapies is primarily associated with the type of waves that are used to treat. For example, low-level laser uses light waves to promote healing, while shockwave uses high-intensity sound waves to promote healing. Shockwave has a level of discomfort than the other two.

Because they all provide a similar end-goal, which one is used is largely dependent on how your body reacts to treatment and the condition that you are seeking treatment for.