Ultrasound therapy
My mother has been experiencing soreness and pain in her left thumb and wrist for two months and has been undergoing rehabilitation.
She mentioned that she feels uncomfortable during the ultrasound treatment and seems to be resistant to continuing, so I would like to ask the doctor how we can persuade her to keep going.
Thank you!
yun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/05/17
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1.
During ultrasound therapy, the following factors may cause the patient to experience discomfort due to excessive acidity: A.
Overdosing B.
Prolonged application at the same spot or insufficient movement speed C.
The patient is currently in an acute phase.
2.
It is advisable to discuss with the original physician and therapist whether to reduce the dosage or switch to intermittent application to improve the situation.
Wishing you peace and happiness!
Reply Date: 2008/05/17
More Info
Encouraging your mother to continue ultrasound therapy for pain relief can be a delicate matter, especially if she has expressed discomfort or resistance to the treatment. Here are some strategies you can employ to help her feel more comfortable and motivated to continue with the therapy:
1. Open Communication: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your mother about her feelings towards the ultrasound therapy. Ask her to describe what specifically makes her uncomfortable. Is it the sensation of the ultrasound, the duration of the treatment, or perhaps the environment of the therapy sessions? Understanding her concerns will help you address them more effectively.
2. Educate About the Benefits: Share information with her about the benefits of ultrasound therapy. Explain that ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and improve mobility. You can mention that many patients experience significant relief after several sessions. If possible, provide her with literature or resources from reputable medical websites that explain how ultrasound therapy works and its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain.
3. Discuss Alternatives: If she is particularly resistant to ultrasound therapy, discuss alternative treatments that may be available. This could include other forms of physical therapy, such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, or even acupuncture. Sometimes, knowing that there are other options can make a patient feel more in control of their treatment plan.
4. Involve Her in Decision-Making: Empower your mother by involving her in the decision-making process regarding her treatment. Ask her what she thinks would help her feel more comfortable with the ultrasound therapy. Perhaps she would prefer to adjust the settings, have a different therapist, or even try a different time of day for her appointments. When patients feel they have a say in their treatment, they are often more willing to participate.
5. Set Small Goals: Help her set small, achievable goals related to her therapy. For example, she could commit to attending just one more session and then reassess how she feels afterward. This can make the process feel less overwhelming and give her a sense of accomplishment.
6. Offer Support: Accompany her to her therapy sessions if possible. Having a supportive family member present can help alleviate anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable. You can also encourage her to express her discomfort to the therapist, who may be able to adjust the treatment to make it more comfortable for her.
7. Highlight Progress: If she has experienced any improvement in her symptoms since starting therapy, remind her of that progress. Sometimes, patients may overlook the benefits they have gained and focus solely on their discomfort. Keeping a journal of her pain levels before and after therapy sessions can provide tangible evidence of the treatment's effectiveness.
8. Be Patient and Understanding: Finally, be patient and understanding of her feelings. It’s important to validate her discomfort and not to pressure her into continuing if she is truly opposed. Sometimes, taking a break and reassessing the situation later can be beneficial.
In conclusion, encouraging your mother to continue ultrasound therapy involves a combination of understanding her concerns, educating her about the benefits, involving her in decision-making, and providing emotional support. By taking these steps, you can help her feel more comfortable and motivated to continue her treatment, ultimately leading to better pain management and improved quality of life.
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