Ultrasound uses high frequency sound vibration to penetrate deep into tissue, increasing blood flow to the area, decreasing localized swelling and promoting healing. In some cases ultrasound can be used to break down scar tissue and is often used to treat tendonitis, arthritis and other chronic injuries.

Interferential Current (IFC) is one form of electrotherapy we use at Hawkstone Physical Therapy. IFC uses an electrical current to produce a prolonged, pleasant tingling sensation that travels up the spinal cord to the brain faster than pain signals do. And since the spinal cord can only carry one signal at a time, the pain signals are blocked. IFC also stimulates the release of endorphins and, contracting the muscle, helps relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is another form of electrotherapy that uses a low-voltage electrical signal to stimulate weakened, or injured muscle. Like IFC, EMS sends signals to the brain that block the body’s pain signals and causes the muscles that are connected to electrodes to contract. Along with the other benefits associated with electrotherapy, EMS also helps to re-educate the injured muscle and brain. Hawkstone physical therapists also use EMS to relieve pain in tight muscles.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a form a low voltage electrical stimulation that helps relieve pain and decrease muscle tension. Like other forms of electrotherapy, TENS sends a tingling signal to the brain that essentially overrides the pain signal. This form of therapy also triggers the release of endorphins.

Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive and gentle therapeutic technique used to stimulate blood flow to an injured area. This increased circulation encourages and improves healing of the injured tissues without causing pain, or discomfort. In fact, we find that laser therapy is effective in relieving pain. While reducing swelling and inflammation, laser therapy also blocks the pain signals that are sent from the injured area of your body to your brain. Hawkstone physical therapists will use cold laser therapy to treat tendonitis, arthritis, bursitis and ligament/tendon strains.

Hot and cold packs are used to treat a variety of injuries. If an injured area is stiff, Hawkstone physical therapists will apply heat to loosen up joints and relieve muscle tension. By applying heat, we’re also able to increase blood flow to the injured area and encourage healing. Most patients also find the application of heat quite relaxing.

When an injured area is swollen, inflamed and painful, Hawkstone physical therapists will use ice packs to bring the swelling down and numb the pain.