Ultrasound equipment

[Bananaman]

I am looking to purchase some ultrasound equipment, what do you think of this from ultralieve?

http://www.ultralieve.com/

I know it's got some limitations such as only having the 1M Hz frequency and limited pulse modes but for £99 what do you think?

[Muscolino]

Tim,

Why do you want an US machine anyway?
They look great in the corner of your clinic, and when you explain the 'theoretical' mechanism of action to your patient, they are deeply impressed with your knowledge and warrant paying their hard earned money for your services. If you already have one, or working in an environment which already uses it, it might be indicated, but why do you want one?

In my opinion, take the £100, and stock up on massage lotion and an ice machine. Surely that’s all you really need in your clinic? 


Have a look at the following studies, which look at the efficacy of US

http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006368/frame.html

http://ptjournal.org/cgi/content/full/81/7/1339

[Bananaman]

Muscolino,

In my opinion you may have greatly overlooked the power of the placebo effect, which has long been one of medicines strongest allies for many treatments including musculoskeletal injuries. If the patient is indeed 'deeply impressed' with your knowedge why not harness this possible placebo effect for the patients wellbeing?

I am not saying this this is in anyway and exclusive treatment but that it may compliment your massage, and if it works, it is certainly important to understand the mechanism but is it really necessary?

An article looking at thwe power of the placebo:
http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.med.47.1.193

As well as an interesting article on the potential anti-inflamatory effect from ultrashound placebo:
http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/1/77

Mind over Matter? 

[fluffyangel]

Personally would rather treat someone and make them better rather than just make them think they are better.

[st1417]

I use my u/s machine infrequently, but I do use it and find it quite useful if client does not like friction techniques, mine has variable settings so can work either superficially or deeper. I am often asked for u/s  but reserve right to use it at my discretion. ALso know someone who uses as broken one for placebo, that I am afraid I do find unethical............
St1417

[sportstherapy]

Personally would rather treat someone and make them better rather than just make them think they are better.

The idea of the placebo effect is that it not only makes people feel better but it can actually effect a change in the condition.  I can see a use for ultrasound with manual therapy, and if the effects are purely placebo, then science has shown this is better than nothing. 

[Muscolino]

no doubting placebo at all, in fact, i would support this mode as a treatment; less harmful sides effects anyway