Electrostimulators and ultrasound machines for healing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of electrostimulators and ultrasound machines in the context of healing sports injuries, particularly sprains. Participants explore the efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, sharing personal experiences and professional insights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experience

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of electrostimulators and ultrasound machines, suggesting they may be quackery.
  • One participant describes the use of ultrasound in physical therapy, noting its potential to warm tissues and promote vasodilation and relaxation, as well as decrease swelling depending on sound wave frequency.
  • A personal account highlights the use of electrostimulation therapy as part of a rehabilitation regimen for a sprained ankle, emphasizing its role in restoring muscle condition without stressing the joint.
  • Another participant, with a background in physical therapy, argues that ultrasound may be ineffective, attributing observed benefits more to placebo effects than to the treatment itself.
  • This participant also challenges the notion that electrical stimulation can increase muscle mass, stating that muscle growth requires effort and cannot be achieved solely through stimulation.
  • There is mention of the use of electrical stimulation in conjunction with high loading for sprinters, with a note on the discomfort associated with such treatments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of skepticism and support for the treatments discussed. While some share positive personal experiences, others challenge the efficacy of these methods, indicating that multiple competing views remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the effectiveness of ultrasound and electrostimulation, as well as the dependence on individual experiences and definitions of treatment success.

Mk
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I heard something about electrostimulators and ultrasound thingys that athletes can use over their sprains and alike that will help them heal faster. Sounds like quackery to me, but what is it about?
 
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Mk said:
I heard something about electrostimulators and ultrasound thingys that athletes can use over their sprains and alike that will help them heal faster. Sounds like quackery to me, but what is it about?


Ultrasound units are used to a limited extent in the physical therapy field as a treatment for sprains (not the kind of ultrasound the OB uses). The ultrasound uses sound waves which are conveyed from the skin to the surrounding tissues which causes tissue warming. The warming results in two basic vasodilation and tissue relaxation. Also, depending on the frequency of the sound waves, it is possible to decrease swelling.

If you would like to read into this, I can suggest good research articles on the subject.
 
I had electrostimulation therapy done on a severely sprained ankle that I got about a year ago. This was done as part of the physical therapy regimen that my sports medicine doc set me up with. Therapy began after the initial "healing" process, when a majority of the swelling was gone, but I was left with limited mobility and muscle strength. In combination with ice/heat therapy and stretching exercises, the electrostimulation is used to bring the muscle groups surrounding the injured area back into condition following the period of disuse. This method of electrically stimulating the muscle to contract will work the muscle gently (depending on stimulation intensity) and will not put unnecessary pressure on the joint while it is still recovering. It was an interesting sensation, I could really feel it tensing and releasing the muscles. I didn't go to as many therapy sessions as suggested because it was just way too expensive, and my ankle is fine (not 100%, but I can run on it). However, I can see how such a treatment would be beneficial to a faster, safer recovery.

The ultrasound, as cbass69187 puts it, is more on the heat-generation side of recovery which aids in increased circulation/oxygenation and all the benefits of that.
 
Hi all,

I worked with a TENS manufacturer and I'm a PT.
Actually US (ulstrasound) is out. Studies have shown that efficiency is coming more from placebo than units.
ESTIM (electrical stimulation) used to develop muscle mass is a myth. There is no muscle increase without effort.

But it was used in conjunction of high loading for sprinters. All said that it was like hell!
 

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