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Monitoring progress

Regular ultrasound examinations allow physiotherapists to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. By comparing images from different periods of time, they can assess whether the therapy is having the desired effect and make adjustments if necessary.

Ultrasound provides an accurate assessment of soft structures and joints. Below are examples of disease entities and applications of ultrasound:

Soft tissue ultrasound has many benefits, both for the therapist or doctor in guiding treatment and for the patient themselves. The most important of these are:

1. Non-invasive - Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality, meaning that it does not require puncturing or exposing the patient to ionising radiation. This is particularly important when examining children, pregnant women and radiation-sensitive patients.
2. Accessibility - ultrasound is widely available in most medical facilities, making the diagnostic process easier and faster.
   Real-time examinations - ultrasound allows real-time monitoring of soft structures and joints, enabling the clinician to observe tissue movement and function during the examination.
3. Soft tissue visualisation - ultrasound enables accurate assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and other soft tissues to detect damage, inflammation and other pathologies.
4. Precision - ultrasound offers high image resolution, allowing for accurate localisation and characterisation of pathology.
5. Monitoring treatment progress - ultrasound allows the physiotherapist to monitor treatment progress and assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Tissue healing and therapeutic effects can be monitored.
6. Unique dynamic assessment - ultrasound allows dynamic assessment, i.e. assessment of structures during movement or loading. This is particularly important in physiotherapy, where patients often report pain or dysfunction during specific movements.
7. No contrast - Unlike other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound does not require contrast, which is beneficial for patients with allergies to contrast agents.
8. Cost versus efficiency - ultrasound is often less expensive than other advanced imaging techniques, which can help reduce the cost of medical care.

The role of ultrasound in physiotherapy practice

Diagnosis and evaluation. Ultrasound enables a non-invasive assessment of soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments or joint capsules. Physiotherapists can accurately see anatomical structures, identify any damage or inflammation, and assess the degree of tissue regeneration. This allows them to fine-tune therapeutic plans and monitor the progress of treatment.

Therapy planning. Ultrasound imaging allows physiotherapists to better understand a patient's individual anatomical characteristics. This allows them to tailor therapeutic techniques to his or her needs, minimising the risk of injury or incorrect exercise technique.

Therapy management. Ultrasound helps visualise the biochemical and biomechanical processes occurring during therapy. Physiotherapists can track what changes occur in the tissues in response to the therapeutic techniques used, allowing them to adjust the treatment approach in real time.

Progress control. Regular ultrasound examinations allow physiotherapists to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. By comparing images from different periods of time, they can assess whether the therapy is having the desired effect and make adjustments if necessary.