top of page
Ultrasound probe_edited.jpg

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive, high-frequency sound therapy that is used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the use of ultrasound waves, beyond the range of human hearing, to produce thermal and mechanical effects within the body's tissues. Therapeutic ultrasound is typically administered by a licensed Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists in CARe, and it is used to achieve a range of therapeutic objectives. 
​
Mechanism of Action:

  1. A therapeutic ultrasound device emits high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound waves) through a handheld applicator or transducer.

  2. These waves penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, causing a vibration at a cellular level. This vibration can generate two primary effects:

    1. Thermal Effect: The vibrating molecules in the tissues create friction and generate heat. This heat can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and promote the healing process.

    2. Mechanical Effect: Ultrasound waves create pressure changes within the tissues, which can improve cellular activity and tissue repair.

​

Conditions Treated:
Therapeutic ultrasound is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
  1. Tendinitis
  2. Muscle strains
  3. Ligament sprains
  4. Joint contractures
  5. Bursitis
  6. Scar tissue
  7. Joint inflammation
​
Procedure:
  1. The patient is typically positioned comfortably.
  2. A gel or lotion is applied to the skin over the area to be treated. This helps transmit the ultrasound waves and reduces friction.
  3. The therapist moves the ultrasound transducer over the treatment area in a circular motion.
  4. Treatment sessions typically last for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the therapeutic objectives and the specific condition being addressed.
  5. The therapist can adjust the frequency and intensity of the ultrasound based on the patient's needs.
​
Benefits:
  1. Promotes tissue healing by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected area.
  2. Reduces pain and muscle spasm by improving circulation and relaxing muscle tissues.
  3. Breaks down scar tissue or adhesions in soft tissues.
  4. Enhances the absorption and effectiveness of topically applied medications (phonophoresis).
 
Precautions:
  1. Ultrasound therapy should not be applied directly to the eyes, open wounds, or areas with impaired circulation.
  2. The therapist must ensure the transducer is constantly moving during the treatment to avoid overheating or skin burns.
  3. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, pregnancy, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may have contraindications or require special precautions when using therapeutic ultrasound.
​
Frequency and Duration:
The frequency and duration of ultrasound treatment will vary based on the specific condition and the therapist's recommendations. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
​
Evidences:
Systematic review by Haile et al. (2022) and Sung et al (2022) proposed that there are growing evidences which reports effectiveness of ultrasound in managing musculoskeletal pain conditions. Pieters et al. (2020) emphasized on the need to incorporate physiotherapy to achieve better functional outcomes in our clients. 
​
Therapeutic ultrasound is considered a safe and effective treatment when administered by our highly skilled therapists at CARe. It is an important modality in physical therapy and rehabilitation for managing various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
​

References:

  1. Hartzell, T.L., Rubinstein, R., Herman, M. (2012) Therapeutic Modalities - An updated review for the hand surgeons. Journal of Hand Surgery. 37A: 597-621.

  2. Haile, G., Hailemariam, T.T., Haile, T.G. (2022) Effectiveness of ultrasound therapy on management of chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Journal of Pain research. Accessed online 20th Novemeber 2023: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JPR.S277574

  3. Pieters, L., Lewis, J., Kuppens. K., Jochems, J., Bruijstens, T., Joossens, L., Struyf, F. (2020) An update of systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of conservative physical therapy interventions for subacromial shoulder pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 50(3): 131-141.

  4. Sung, J,H., Lee, J.M., Kim, J.H. (2022) The effectiveness of ultrasound deep heat therapy for adhesive capsulitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of Environmental research and public health. 19(3). Accessed online 20th November 2023: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1859


Here are some other common physical agent modalities:
bottom of page