Ultrasound stimulates, speeds up wound healing

Cut yourself and, assuming you're somewhat young and otherwise healthy, it'll heal in a reasonable amount of time. Older age and certain conditions like diabetes can interfere with this healing process, though, and could result in wounds that won't heal or that take a very long time to heal. Researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Sheffield may have a solution, however, in the form of low-intensity ultrasounds. A study detailing their effort reveals their technique both speeds up healing time and restores to the body a youthful/healthy healing ability.

The technique used by the researchers speeds up wound healing in the cases of flesh wounds (bedsores, for example) by 30-percent. When it comes to wound healing, those with diabetes and the elderly both typically experience troubles, and it was those two groups the researchers apparently targeted.

The issue lies in the fibroblasts, which migrate to a wound site and cause healing. Some conditions prevent this migration and healing, as a result, is stunted. Using ultrasound the researchers were able to stimulate this migration, and in diabetic and older mice the healing process increased by 30-percent.

The odds of complications are low, and the researchers were able to replicate their results with some human patients, further indicating its usefulness in medical settings. This stimulation triggers a restoration of a healthy healing process, as well. It is possible the technology could be used in clinics within the next half a decade.

SOURCE: Gizmag