Ultrasound for healing bones? It may be “sound” advice!
Anyone who has experienced a bruised bone knows that it is painful, very painful. A broken bone is even worse. After the initial injury is diagnosed and medically treated, the real hardship such an event creates is the healing process. as quickly as possible is essential for ultimate pain relief. Pain medications may be useful in the initial healing process, however, for long term healing, prescription medications can be addicting and dangerous. Because of that, some people have turned to alternative or supplemental healing methods, including using ultrasound for healing bones.
Ultrasound has been shown to have positive results in the healing of some bone injuries. The same technology that allows us to see a baby in the womb may provide stimulus in the healing process. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a relatively new technique for the acceleration of fracture healing in fresh fractures and nonunions. However, some evidence may suggest that the use of ultrasound is not effective on certain types of bone injuries.
According to Jonathan Cluett, M.D., ultrasound has been shown to be most effective and “There is good scientific evidence showing that certain fractures, specifically nonunions, can show faster healing with the use of ultrasound. There is also evidence that these devices can help in patients who have poor healing potential including diabetics, smokers, and patients taking oral steroid medications.” Also, according to Dr. Cluett, “Ultrasound has been shown to have beneficial effects in fracture healing, but is probably only useful in situations where healing is limited.”
To conclude, low-intensity ultrasound treatments have been shown to have some beneficial effects in the healing of bone injuries. There are no known side effects or adverse reactions to such treatments. These same applications are used on pregnant women with favorable outcomes.
For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments, or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read on this topic.