Ultrasound Cavitation
What is Ultrasound Cavitation?
Ultrasound Cavitation uses ultrasound (soundwave) vibrations to break down localized fat cells into more of a liquid consistency so that they can be processed by the lymphatic system and excreted in your urine. This is considered a non-invasive technique to reduce fat in areas that are affecting function and could be seen as an alternative to liposuction to treat conditions such as lipedema.
It has been used in the cosmetic world for quite a while, however more recently it has been examined in the medical world, more specifically physical therapy, to treat areas of fat that are restricting range of motion or restriction function secondary to pain. It is still considered experimental. There is a current study ongoing with Dr. Karen Herbst and Karen Ashforth, OT. Both are well known in the lipedema world for being the pioneers of cutting-edge assessment and treatment of lipedema.
Here is a link to a presentation by Karen Ashforth about Ultrasound Cavitation:
YouTube Karen Ashforth Ultrasound Cavitation
Here is an article out of Egypt about the efficacy of Ultrasound Cavitation:
While you can complete just Ultrasound Cavitation, the evidence shows that a combination of Ultrasound Cavitation, Radiofrequency, Vacuum and LED Red Light Therapy provide the best outcome. Ultrasound Cavitation ruptures the fat cells, Radiofrequency promotes collogen regeneration to smooth skin, vacuum encourages pores to open and close to takes up toxins and the fat cells that have been ruptured by Ultrasound Cavitation, LED Red Light helps to reduce the inflammation caused by the previous modalities.
Contraindications for Ultrasound Cavitation, Radiofrequency, Vacuum and LED Red Light Therapy:
· Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
· C-section within 6 months, Abortion within 3 months, Vaginal Delivery within 2 months
· Active infection in the treatment area
Precautions with Ultrasound Cavitation for Ultrasound Cavitation, Radiofrequency, Vacuum and LED Red Light Therapy:
· History of malignancies
· Cardiac Pacemaker
· Metal Implants
· Coagulation Medications
· Diabetes
· Osteoporosis
· Hyperthyroidism
· Epilepsy
Possible Side Effects of Ultrasound Cavitation:
Although possible side effects of Ultrasound Cavitation are minimal, especially compared to surgery, they are possible. All possible effects are temporary.
· You can hear the vibration of the ultrasound cavitation internally. Unfortunately, ear plugs, ear buds and headphones do not eliminate the sound. It is tolerable but annoying while completing this portion of the treatment.
· Redness of the treatment area
· Bruising of the treatment area
How long does it take to see the effects?
You may find changes to the density of your fat after the first session; however the process can take several months even after treatment has finished to reach desired effect. It is important to keep in mind that this is not liposuction. This is not going to completely eliminate all of the subcutaneous fat. It will help reduce the density and texture. Results cannot be guaranteed but are more likely to be positive when combined with an anti-inflammatory diet and strength training.
How large of an area can be treated at once?
These modalities need to be directed at specific areas and if you spread it out too much it will not be effective. The size of a piece of a standard paper (8.5” x 11”) is the approximate area that can be effectively treated at once. This could be in one long narrow strip such as the inner thigh or outer thigh or in one area such as the abdomen. A consultation with the therapist will be needed to determine exactly how many different sessions will be required.
How many sessions are needed to be effective?
The evidence supports 2 times per week for 4 weeks in a row as the most effective. Therefore, a total of 8 sessions for each piece of paper size area will be required.
How long does a session last?
One hour will be required for each treatment area. Multiple areas can be treated back-to-back in the same day if you prefer.
How much does it cost?
This treatment will not be covered by medical insurance as no medical insurance will pay for just modalities to be completed within a Physical Therapy session.
Many spas charge $250+ per session for this treatment provided by an esthetician who will also expect to be tipped on top of the cost of service, not a certified lymphedema physical therapist with 15+ years of experience treating lymphatic conditions. In order to complete scheduling within the recommended time period, these sessions will need to be purchased as a bundle of 8 sessions.
8 Session Bundle: $1600
How do I schedule appointments?
You need to contact Mindy directly at 401-575-6266 or mindy@hopeworthpt.com. These appointments cannot be made on the Patient Portal.
What if I have to cancel an appointment?
If there needs to be a last minute cancellation due to illness or other circumstance then every effort will be made to try to reschedule that appointment that is still within reasonable parameters however cannot be guaranteed and the cost of that treatment will be forfeited. If the cancellation is on my end and is not able to be rescheduled, then I will reimburse you for the missed session.
Any further questions then please feel free to contact Mindy by call or text: 401-575-6266 or mindy@hopeworthpt.com.