ULTRASOUND THERAPY

*Ultrasound physiotherapy* uses high-frequency sound waves to treat pain, stiffness, and tissue injuries. It’s different from diagnostic ultrasound - here the sound waves are used to heal, not to make images.

How it works

A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over your skin with gel to help the waves pass through. The probe sends sound waves at 0.7–3.3 MHz into tissues 2-5 cm deep.

There are 2 main effects:

1. *Thermal effect*

   The waves cause tiny vibrations that create deep heat. This warms muscles, tendons, ligaments, increases blood flow, relaxes spasms, and makes tissues more stretchable before exercise.

2. *Mechanical/Non-thermal effect*

   The waves create “cavitation” - tiny bubbles that expand and collapse in tissue fluid. This micro-massage stimulates cell activity, collagen production, and tissue repair without significant heating.

Sessions usually take 5-10 mins. You’ll feel either a mild warmth or nothing at all.

What it’s used for

Clinics use it for soft tissue issues:

- *Tendonitis, bursitis, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis*

- *Muscle strains, sprains, ligament injuries*

- *Joint stiffness, arthritis, frozen shoulder*

- *Scar tissue and adhesions* - it helps break them down and improve range of motion

- *Post-surgical recovery* to reduce swelling and scar buildup

- *Phonophoresis*: using ultrasound to push anti-inflammatory gels deeper into tissue.

It works best alongside exercise and manual therapy, not alone.

Benefits

- *Speeds tissue healing* by boosting blood flow, protein synthesis, and fibroblast activity

- *Reduces pain and inflammation* by flushing out chemicals and raising pain threshold

- *Breaks down scar tissue* and improves flexibility

- *Improves mobility* by warming and loosening tight tissues before stretching.

When NOT to use it

Avoid over:

- Open wounds, infected areas, areas with poor sensation

- Pregnancy on abdomen/lower back, eyes, reproductive organs

- Areas with metal implants, pacemakers, tumors

- Over growth plates in children.

Excessive heat or intensity can damage tissue, so it should only be done by a trained physio.

Quick comparison with IFT

- *Ultrasound*: Better for deep tissue healing, scar tissue, tendon/ligament injuries. Gives deep heat + mechanical effect.

- *IFT*: Better for pain relief and muscle stimulation. Feels like tingling, penetrates deeper nerves.

Both are often used together in rehab programs.

Want me to explain what a typical ultrasound session looks like step-by-step, or tell you if it’s good for a specific condition you have?

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