17. May 2022

therapeutic ultrasound and physiotherapy treatment

Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, and drug-free treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The use of physiotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and other electrotherapeutic therapies has increased in recent years, with a number of hospitals and clinics across the country now utilising the treatment for their patients.

Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to treat a variety of injuries or conditions, making it invaluable for physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation.

This article explores:

How physiotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound work
What therapeutic ultrasound can treat and when it’s used
The benefits of therapeutic ultrasound and other electrotherapy treatment types
Where to get therapeutic ultrasound and physiotherapy treatment

What is therapeutic ultrasound and how does it work?

Unlike diagnostic ultrasound, you won’t be able to see inside your body or have your physiotherapist tell you you’re expecting!

Therapeutic ultrasound is a medical treatment that uses inaudible, high-frequency sound waves to create heat, which in turn creates a deep heating effect on the tissue.

Physiotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound are used for three major benefits

Increased blood flow
Decreased swelling and pain
Massage of muscles, tendons, and tissue (or breakdown of scar tissue)

The heat generated by therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow and circulation in the area being treated, which helps to relieve pain and stiffness and aids recovery from injury.

This can be achieved by two main effects of therapeutic ultrasound

Thermal- due to the absorption of the waves the area being treated heats up. The thermal effect also helps to increase elasticity
Non-thermal- energy introduced to the affected area creates a process called cavitation and acoustic streaming. The non-thermal effect speeds up the cellular healing process.

Source: Therapeutic ultrasound - Wikipedia, Therapeutic Ultrasound - Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com)

Don’t worry, you won’t be hearing your favourite songs through your body!

Both effects are present during physiotherapy treatment, making therapeutic ultrasound an excellent intervention for both acute and chronic conditions.

What does therapeutic ultrasound feel like?

Your physiotherapist will use an ultrasound machine with a probe (or transducer) to treat the affected area. Placing conductive gel between your skin and the probe to increase transmissivity.

Sound waves from therapeutic ultrasound have difficulty moving through the air, so the gel is used as a bond to ensure there’s no air space between you and the probe, and the waves can penetrate effectively.

Ok, enough of the techy bit!

When you receive therapeutic ultrasound as a physiotherapy treatment you won’t directly feel the high-frequency waves and definitely won't hear them.

Yet, you may feel a slightly warm or buzzing feeling as the treatment session progresses.

The probe is usually moved across your skin in circular motions and your physiotherapist will adjust settings throughout the treatment session.

If therapeutic ultrasound is new to you, you must make your physiotherapist aware if you feel uncomfortable or in pain.

Do not stay silent and suffer it.

Physiotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound aim to ease your condition, not exacerbate it.

What can therapeutic ultrasound be used for

Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive physiotherapy treatment.

Using sound waves to stimulate muscles, joints, and other soft tissues in the body, it can be used to treat pain and stiffness in joints, muscle spasms, and chronic pain.

The ultrasound waves cause vibrations in the tissue, which can be used to break up and remove scar tissue, blood clots, and other obstructions without physical contact with the tissue.

Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to treat a variety of injuries and conditions such as:

Bursitis
Tendonitis
Muscle spasms, strains, and tears
Neck and back pain
Frozen shoulder
Joint tightness

Source: Therapeutic Ultrasound And How It Can Help | Core Elements

This therapy can be used for both acute and chronic conditions, including arthritis, sprains, and strains as well as for rehabilitation after surgery or injury.

Therapeutic ultrasound can be safely applied to other parts of the body including the lower back, hips, knees, ankles and more.

What are the benefits of therapeutic ultrasound as physiotherapy treatment?

There are many benefits of therapeutic ultrasound, hence why it’s commonly used as physiotherapy treatment.

Mainly due to it being non-invasive, safe for most ages and conditions, quick (usually less than 30 minutes), and has minimal side effects.

Benefits of therapeutic ultrasound treatment also include:

Drug-free pain relief
Removal of lumps and fluids
Faster healing injuries
Increase blood circulation
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Deep penetration and relaxation of tissue

Source: Ultrasound Therapy - Benefits, Risks, And Side Effects (healthguideline.net)

People who’ve had physiotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound report experiencing a decrease in pain levels, a better range of motion in their joints, and an increase in strength.

Therapeutic ultrasound is mechanical energy rather than electrical but is listed as an electrotherapy modal.

Ultrasound, interferential, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and TENS are electrotherapy treatment types we offer at CK Physio.

These electrotherapy treatment types can be used to treat:

Plantar Fasciitis of the foot
Achilles Tendinopathy
Trochanteric pain syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Calcific Tendonitis of the shoulder
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumpers Knee)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Source: Shockwave Therapy in Hanwell and Ealing (ckphysio.co.uk)

Frequently Asked Questions about Therapeutic Ultrasound

Is therapeutic ultrasound safe?

Yes, therapeutic ultrasound is generally considered very safe when administered by a qualified physiotherapist. It's non-invasive and has minimal side effects. However, it's not recommended for certain conditions, so always consult your healthcare provider before treatment.

How long does a therapeutic ultrasound session last?

A typical therapeutic ultrasound session lasts 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area. The entire physiotherapy appointment, which may include other treatments, usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

How many sessions of therapeutic ultrasound are typically needed?

The number of sessions required varies depending on your condition and its severity. Some patients may see improvement after just a few sessions, while others might need several treatments over several weeks. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Are there any side effects of therapeutic ultrasound?

When performed correctly, therapeutic ultrasound has few side effects. Some patients may experience mild and temporary skin irritation or slight discomfort during treatment. If you experience any unusual symptoms, inform your physiotherapist immediately.

Can therapeutic ultrasound be used during pregnancy?

Therapeutic ultrasound is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially over the abdomen or lower back. If you're pregnant or think you might be, it's crucial to inform your physiotherapist before any treatment.

How does therapeutic ultrasound differ from other electrotherapy treatments?

While therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves, other electrotherapy treatments like TENS or interferential therapy use electrical currents to stimulate tissues. Ultrasound can penetrate deeper into the tissues and is particularly effective for promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Your physiotherapist will determine the most appropriate electrotherapy treatment based on your condition.

Does insurance cover therapeutic ultrasound?

Coverage for therapeutic ultrasound varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Many plans cover physiotherapy treatments, including ultrasound, but it's best to check with your insurance provider for specific details about your coverage.

How can I get a therapeutic ultrasound?

CK Physio is here to offer you combined physiotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound, alongside other electrotherapy treatment types for conditions mentioned and more.

Although face-to-face treatment is necessary for therapeutic ultrasound, some physiotherapy treatment and exercise can be accessed from the comfort of your own home.

We conduct an initial virtual consultation as a safe and convenient way to meet with our physiotherapists.

During this consultation, you will be able to: