ULTRASOUND WOUND THERAPY

Stimulating Wound Healing At The Cellular Level

Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine is pleased to offer ultrasound wound therapy, an innovative, non-invasive procedure that stimulates wound healing in its early stages. This procedure utilizes ultrasound waves to reduce inflammation and pain, increase circulation and stimulate healing without harming any surrounding tissue.

WHAT ARE ULTRASOUND WAVES?

Ultrasound waves are high-frequency mechanical vibrations that exceed the threshold that humans can hear. There are two types of ultrasound waves that are utilized in medicine: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic ultrasounds are used to examine inside the body and produce images, such as a pregnancy ultrasound. On the other hand, therapeutic ultrasounds do not create images, but can help to heal tissue and reduce inflammation. When used in the early stages of wound healing, ultrasound therapy can help stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation, facilitating the healing process.

HOW ULTRASOUND WAVES CAN STIMULATE WOUND HEALING

Ultrasound wound therapy can be utilized in several stages of wound healing.

The stages of wound healing are as follows:

Hemostasis

This is the body’s first response to an injury, where the blood begins to clot to slow bleeding.

Inflammatory

During this stage, white blood cells attack any bacteria or debris in the wound and release proteins that stimulate the repair of tissues.

Proliferative

After the inflammatory stage, epithelial cells cover and protect the wound as it continues to heal.

Remodeling and Maturation

In the final stage of wound healing, the new tissues created during the previous stages of healing begin to mature and strengthen.

When ultrasound wound therapy is utilized during the inflammatory stage, it can reduce inflammation, shortening the duration of this stage and minimizing discomfort. During the proliferative phase, ultrasound waves can encourage the growth of new tissue and epithelial cells. Finally, when used during the remodeling phase, this treatment can strengthen tissue and reduce scarring.

BENEFITS OF ULTRASOUND WOUND THERAPY

There are many benefits to choosing ultrasound treatment to care for your wound. Benefits include:

Non-invasive: Unlike other wound care procedures, ultrasound treatment is non-invasive with no downtime.
Minimal to no discomfort: Because this treatment is non-invasive, patients report feeling minimal to no discomfort. Some patients may feel a slight tingling where the wand makes contact with the skin, but no significant pain.
Reduces inflammation: Therapy can reduce inflammation around the wound, which in turn, can reduce overall pain and discomfort.
Promotes circulation: Therapy stimulates the body’s natural wound healing response at the cellular level.
Reduce the risk of infection: By targeting the wound early with ultrasound waves, your risk of infection and further complications is significantly reduced.
May prevent the need for surgery: By encouraging the body’s natural wound healing process, this treatment can help prevent the wound from becoming chronic and necessitating more invasive surgical procedures.
Improved quality of life: By facilitating wound healing, ultrasound wound therapy can improve patient comfort and overall quality of life.

LET’S GET STARTED

If you have a wound that is slow to heal and you think you could benefit from ultrasound wound therapy, request an appointment with our team. Call Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine at (757) 933-8890 or request an appointment on our website. Our wound care specialists can evaluate your wound and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.