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Therapeutic Ultrasound Treatment for Pets

Just like humans, animals also get injured and experience pain. As a pet owner, you need to accord your pets the same rehabilitation and care you would give yourself when you get hurt. An example of such rehabilitation is ultrasound therapy. 

Here at Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Ridge, NY, our veterinarians offer emergency, standard, and holistic medical care to help improve the wellness of your pets.

What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment method commonly used in physical therapy. It entails using low-frequency sound waves to speed up the healing of damaged tendons, tissues, and ligaments. 

Therapeutic ultrasound is recommended when your pet has the following conditions:

• Painful and stiff joints
• Muscle spasms
• Tendonitis
• Ligament injuries and sprains 

How Are Animals Treated Using Therapeutic Ultrasound?

During ultrasound therapy, sound waves pass through the skin and are transmitted deep into your pet’s tissues, causing a vibration. The vibration of these tissues produces heat that penetrates deep into injured tissues.

The following procedure is followed during the treatment:

• The treatment area is shaved to access bare skin 
• The veterinarian applies a cold water-based gel over the area. This gel improves the conduction of the waves into the deeper tissues 
• The probe is applied for 10-20 minutes, usually in gentle stroking sweeps or in a circular motion over the affected area 

Since the procedure is not painful, pets are usually not sedated. This also enables the pet to indicate discomfort as the treatment is given. Therapeutic ultrasound is administered two to three times a week until the desired improvement of the muscle or joint is achieved.

What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound offers the same benefits to pets as it does to humans. 

These benefits include:

1. Increased blood circulation
2. Relaxation of muscles
3. Increased flexibility in the tendons, joints, and ligaments
4. Reduction of muscle spasms and pain
5. Reduction of inflammation
6. Accelerated healing of wounds

What Is the Efficacy of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Animals?

Commonly used in human rehabilitation, ultrasound therapy is popular since it is non-invasive, drug-free, and does not require sedation. While it may not produce instant results when used correctly and in the right amount, therapeutic ultrasound is of great benefit.

It is important to note that ultrasound therapy should only be conducted by a veterinarian and should not be used on animals that have orthotic implants, bone plates, and those that are pregnant or are suffering from cancer.

Call Integrative Veterinary Therapies

Here at Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Ridge, NY, our veterinarians are equipped to handle all aspects of veterinary well-being. We offer non-invasive, alternative drug-free therapies and holistic medical care to your pets to ensure their general health and wellness. 
Visit us today to start your pet’s journey to recovery.