Therapeutic Ultrasound
A focused approach to soft-tissue care.
Using high-frequency sound waves, therapeutic ultrasound provides a non-invasive way to apply energy to selected soft tissues. It may be considered as part of a wider treatment or veterinary rehabilitation programme.
Targeted Soft-Tissue Treatment
Understanding The Treatment
What is therapeutic ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves at frequencies above human hearing. These waves are delivered through a handheld treatment head, with a coupling gel used to help transmit the energy into the tissues.
Depending on the settings, ultrasound can produce thermal effects, such as gentle tissue heating, and non-thermal mechanical effects.
The appropriate settings depend on the treatment objective, the tissues involved and the stage of any injury. Ultrasound is not suitable for every condition, and its effectiveness varies according to the problem being treated.
A different kind of sound wave
​Unlike diagnostic ultrasound, which creates images of structures inside the body, therapeutic ultrasound delivers acoustic energy to tissues as a treatment modality.
Potential Applications
Where might ultrasound be considered?
Treatment is selected according to the horse's individual needs, the tissues involved and any veterinary diagnosis.
Muscular tightness
May be considered for selected areas of muscular tension or discomfort as part of an appropriate treatment plan.
Tendon & ligament rehabilitation
Sometimes used as an adjunct in veterinary-guided soft-tissue rehabilitation. It does not replace controlled exercise or veterinary monitoring.
Tissue mobility
May be considered where soft-tissue mobility is restricted, although evidence that it directly breaks down scar tissue is limited.
Back & neck discomfort
Can be considered for suitable muscular areas following assessment of the underlying cause.
Stiffness & movement
Thermal applications may temporarily influence tissue extensibility and comfort when appropriately selected.
Recovery support
May form one component of a wider rehabilitation programme alongside appropriate movement and other treatments.
How It Works
Thermal and non-thermal ultrasound
PhysioKey has a range of programmes with different electrical settings. These are selected according to the treatment objective, the horse's presentation and its response.
Thermal effects​
Continuous ultrasound can produce heating in suitable tissues. This may temporarily influence local tissue temperature, extensibility and comfort.
Non-thermal effects
Pulsed applications can reduce the average heating effect while producing mechanical interactions within tissue. Their clinical benefit depends on the condition and available evidence.
Why does the difference matter?
Not every tissue or stage of recovery calls for heat. The treatment settings must be selected carefully, rather than using the same approach for every horse.
What to Expect
What happens during a treatment?
01
What happens during a treatment?
I consider your horse's history, muscular findings and any relevant veterinary information before deciding whether ultrasound is appropriate.
02
Preparing the area
Coupling gel is applied to help transmit the sound waves. The coat may need preparing to achieve adequate contact.
03
Applying ultrasound
The treatment head is moved carefully over the selected area using appropriate settings, while I monitor the horse's response.
04
Aftercare
Any follow-up treatment or appropriate exercises are discussed according to the horse's needs and rehabilitation plan.
My Approach
The right treatment for the right horse.
Therapeutic ultrasound is one of the tools available within my practice, but it isn't something I use automatically.
I consider what I find during assessment, your horse's medical history and how they respond to treatment. Sometimes hands-on massage is more appropriate. Sometimes ultrasound may be a useful addition. And sometimes further veterinary investigation is needed before any treatment begins.
As with all my treatments, I work at the horse's pace and never continue simply to complete a planned procedure.
Included In Your Session
No additional charge for ultrasound.
If I feel therapeutic ultrasound is appropriate during your massage appointment, it can be incorporated into the session at no extra cost.
Some conditions may benefit from a planned series of appointments. The number and frequency of visits will depend on your horse's individual circumstances and response, rather than following a fixed schedule for everyone.
Treatment is based on need, not on adding extras.
No single behaviour proves that treatment is working or that a horse is relaxed. Each response must be considered in context.
Safety And Suitability
When ultrasound may not be appropriate
Therapeutic ultrasound requires careful consideration of the treatment area, tissue condition and medical history. It should not be applied indiscriminately over areas such as suspected tumours, active infection or other contraindicated tissues.
A horse with new lameness, unexplained swelling or suspected tendon or ligament injury should receive veterinary assessment before treatment. Appropriate veterinary permission and rehabilitation guidance are followed where required.
Getting Started
Could ultrasound benefit your horse?
If your horse has muscular discomfort or is following a veterinary rehabilitation programme, we can discuss whether therapeutic ultrasound is an appropriate addition to their care.
Based in Letchworth Garden City
Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. North West London and further afield by arrangement.