ULTRASOUND THERAPY
Ultrasound therapy uses high or low frequency sound waves, which are transmitted to the surrounding soft tissue. This produces nominal increase in soft tissue’s temperature, promoting tissue relaxation and therefore is useful in treating muscle tightness and spasm. Such warming effect of the sound waves can also cause enlargement of the arteries, causing and increase in circulation to the area that assists in healing.
PHONOPHORESIS
Ultrasound is also used to enhance the level of healing expected from topically applied drugs. This process is called Phonophoresis. Phonophoresis increases the absorption of topically applied analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents through the therapeutic application of ultrasound, thereby improving and expediting recovery process.
Ultrasound therapy and Phonophoresis are used to treat numerous foot and ankle ailments, including tendonitis, arthritis and chronic pain.
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION
Electrical nerve stimulation, also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), is a noninvasive, drug-free pain management technique. By sending electrical signals to underlying nerves, TENS device can relieve a wide range of chronic and acute pain. This procedure is especially helpful in diabetic foot care.
LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY
Low Level Laser Therapy is a treatment recommended for sports injuries, heel pain, plantarfasciitis, tendonitis, wounds or ulsers, or general foot pain. This is a pain free procedure that utilizes a different type of laser, than the surgical laser we are used to. This is a safe procedure with no known side effects. A low-level laser light beam is sometimes red light, but usually infrared which means that you cannot see it. When this light shines on and through your skin it causes beneficial chemical and biological responses. Low-level laser therapy accelerates repair in acute injuries but will also simulate the body's repair processes as in cases of non-healing or chronic conditions. Cells have more energy and are able to build proteins needed for recovery. Thus, the improved cell proliferation also improves healing.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being. This technique has been actively used to relieve general pains and foot pain in particular. Acupuncture can help to relax the muscles and connective tissue of the foot, decreasing any inflammation within the foot, and stimulate the body to release endorphins, alleviating the pain.
HEALING MASSAGE
Massage is the practice of manipulation of the soft tissues of the body in order to fulfill any of several physical, functional/mechanical, and/or emotional goals. The target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as, lymphatic vessels, and/or organs. Therapeutic benefits include lengthening of muscles, treating muscle tension, spasticity and/or contractures, and freeing restrictions between layers of myofascia. In relationship to feet, massage can be a standalone element in temporary relieving foot pain, relaxing or realigning other parts of the body that may cause foot pain, or as a bridge between mind and body that will ultimately lead the patient towards better treatment results and into ultimate healing.
ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTIONS
To relieve the discomfort of Neuroma, Neuritis, Arthritis, Heel Pain and other conditions, a Podiatrist may perform a series of injections into the foot or ankle. With the help of an Ultrasound Machine the doctor is able to pin-point the precise location for the injection. This promotes the best absorption of the given medication which results in faster relief and recovery.
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