Local hyperthermia increases tissue temperature, thereby producing pain relief, sedation, and an increase in local metabolism. Heat therapy facilitates the healing process by producing blood vessel dilation, thereby enhancing local blood flow and decreasing edema. In addition, localized heat may enhance subsequent soft tissue massage and exercise therapy, and thus should precede these supplemental therapies. This will increase the delivery of nutrients to the area and hasten the removal of waste products and edema fluid. Specific soft tissue mobilization myofacial release techniques may be used to decrease soft tissue contracture of affected musculature if present.
Massage can also stretch tendons and decrease the potential for fibrosis.
H-Wave produces a series of repeated muscle contractions, which allows the blood and lymphatic vessels to constrict and relax rhythmically, in an effort to remove localized edema from the surgical site. Acuscope Electrical stimulation in the form of microcurrent promotes and facilitates the healing of neurological and musculoskeletal tissues. Studies have also demonstrated that acuscope treatments have a cumulative effect. In ultrasound therapy, electrical energy is converted into high frequency sound waves by means of a piezoelectric crystal, Thermal effects, probably the most useful, are beneficial for musculoskeletal problems, such as muscle spasms, adhesions, tendon and ligament injuries. Ultrasound is particularly useful in helping to decrease soft tissue contracture of musculature that has been affected during the surgical process, and assisting in breaking down scar tissue.