Professional ultrasound in our physiotherapy

A look into the moving body

As of January 1, 2019, we have the option to perform an ultrasound, if necessary, in addition to the intake and physical examination.

How does ultrasound work?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves. These are sent into the body and reflected back by the underlying tissue. The reflected sound is converted by a computer into an electronic signal, making it visible on a monitor. This allows the practitioner to assess the tissue around a joint and discover any abnormalities. With X-ray and MRI this is done as a picture, with ultrasound a film can also be made.

Each examination is carried out according to protocol. The images are recorded in the form of photos and videos, so that the images are available in the event of an emergency. further research can be compared. Ultrasound is not harmful to the body, as it does not use radiation, such as when taking an X-ray or a CT scan.

Benefits of making an ultrasound

• Insight into tissue damage
  Ultrasound can provide insight into joints, tendons and muscles. This makes it possible to determine whether there is swelling or irritation of the tissue in question. It can also be determined whether there is an interruption of the continuity of, for example, muscle or tendon tissue, ligaments or bone.
• Dynamic behavior of tendons
  With ultrasound it is possible to make a video of certain movements. In this way, the movement behavior of joints, tendons and muscles can be assessed. This is a major advantage compared to MRI, where this is not possible.
• More targeted physiotherapy treatment plan
  The physiotherapist's treatment plan is partly determined by the available information about the complaint to be treated. Examples are: the referral from the doctor, X-ray reports and other research reports from medical specialists or another expert. This information is not always available. The physiotherapist makes the treatment plan based on an extensive history, physical examination and additional research. If in doubt, imaging research via ultrasound can have added value and ensure a better coordinated treatment plan. A more targeted training/treatment choice can in turn ensure that physiotherapeutic action is more efficient and faster and that the patient is free of complaints faster!
• Insight into recovery processes
  The insight into recovery processes of an affected structure becomes clearer through ultrasound. The recovery process can therefore be monitored better. This is particularly useful for assessing the load-bearing capacity of muscle and tendon tissue. The choice of the right local physiotherapy treatment and training method depends on this.
• Efficiency of referral policy
  By examining the affected structure of the musculoskeletal system with ultrasound, abnormalities can be demonstrated and/or excluded, allowing the patient to receive more targeted treatment or be referred to the appropriate physician or paramedic. In this way, the entire rehabilitation process can proceed faster and more efficiently.

Applications of ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used for several purposes:

• Muscles: cracks, scars, calcium deposits, swelling
• Tendons: cracks, degeneration, calcium deposits, irritation or swelling
• Bursae: inflammation, moisture collection, limescale deposits
• Articular ligaments: cracks, thickening, irritation or swelling
• Joint capsules: inflammation, cracks, thickening or swelling
• Cartilage: damage and thickness
• Meniscus: (superficial) cracks or cysts
• Bones: loose bone fragments, fractures, dents or growth plates
• Nerves: location in tunnels, for example at the carpal tunnel or mobility of the nerve

Procedure for an ultrasound examination

The procedure and costs of ultrasound examination depend on the person requesting the ultrasound and the time that must be invested in any additional reporting.

Referral by the doctor

If the examination takes place after referral by a general practitioner or sports doctor or specialist, the examination is integrated into a physiotherapy consultation and declared as such. This will be reimbursed in accordance with the policy conditions of your insurance. Your referrer will receive a report.

Request via a fellow physiotherapist

If a fellow physiotherapist requests an ultrasound examination with a specific question, this examination will be carried out and integrated into regular treatment and you and your physiotherapist will receive the outcome of the examination and advice regarding treatment. If there is a request from a fellow physiotherapist outside our center and no further information is known, the procedure will be announced direct access to physiotherapy applied.

Direct accessibility to physiotherapy

If you request an ultrasound examination on your own initiative, the ultrasound examination will be integrated into regular treatment. Prior to the examination, a screening and a regular physiotherapeutic examination always take place. Your GP will be informed of this in writing.

Not insured

If you do not have additional insurance or the additional insurance is no longer sufficient, you will be charged the costs. The costs can be requested and read in our website rate list.