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Post by Jimbob on Jan 21, 2010 19:35:03 GMT 10
Tom, is there any recommended time frame to stop using ultrasound before a race? Is it ok to use it right up to race day? Regards, Jimbob.
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Post by Tom Meulman on Jan 22, 2010 5:55:26 GMT 10
Tom, is there any recommended time frame to stop using ultrasound before a race? Is it ok to use it right up to race day? Regards, Jimbob. Hi Jimbob, With Ultrasound treatment it needs to be kept in mind that the high frequency sound waves affect the individual cells of the muscle by altering the cell wall slightly to allow a better flow of waste products out of damaged cells, increasing the flow of blood plasma in and out of the damaged muscle area, and by this process speeding up the repair of the damaged muscle. Unfortunately while this process is taking place the affected muscle is not able to sustain strong muscle contractions, and needs to have time to return to its normal state. The time this takes does vary in relation to the amount of damage the muscle sustained in the first place. The formula I used for years without any problems is to allow 12 hours of rest time after the treatments for every two treatments the injury required. In other words if the injury is minor and only required two treatments, 12 hours rest time after the last treatment is sufficient. If the damage was more severe and required 4 treatments I would then allow 24 hours rest time after the last treatment, 6 treatments 36 hours and so on. The other thing to keep in mind is the fact that both the damage to the muscle and the subsequent ultrasound treatment reduce the muscle tone of the affected muscle. The affected muscle is therefore no longer able to stand up to the same amount of stress as the muscle tissue of the rest of the body. In other words the general muscle tissue of the dog is fit enough to run 500 metres, except the muscle tissue that has just been healed. This muscle may then only be fit enough to sustain contractions for 300 metres before it again suffers some further damage if the dog was run over 500 metres. This is where either a Muscle Contractor or a TENS unit is of great assistance, as they allow you to bring the previously damaged muscle up to the required strength prior to it being placed under stress. Cheers, Tom
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Post by jimbob on Jan 31, 2010 13:05:03 GMT 10
Thank you Tom.
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