Ultrasound Therapy

All about Ultrasound Therapy Treatment in Physiotherapy

What Is Ultrasound Therapy?

Ultrasound is an important physical therapy treatment used by physiotherapists. It uses high-frequency sound waves to treat a variety of conditions. Therapeutic Ultrasound works by sending sound waves to create deep heat or vibration in tissues. These waves increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and help tissues heal faster.

How Does Ultrasound Therapy Work?

Ultrasound therapy has been a tool of the physiotherapy trade for a long time.

Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues. A gel is applied to the skin, and a small device called a transducer is moved over the area. The sound waves cause vibrations that interact with the tissues, helping to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy Treatment for Pain Relief and Healing

Ultrasound therapy is effective for several conditions. Here are the key advantages:

Pain Reduction: By increasing blood flow, ultrasound therapy helps reduce stiffness and inflammation and pain perception. Muscles relax thereby providing pain relief.
2. Enhanced Tissue Healing: Therapeutic ultrasound stimulates collagen production which is essential for tissue repair. It promotes faster tissue healing and speeds up recovery from injuries.
Increased Tissue Flexibility: The thermal effect of ultrasound increases the flexibility of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, aiding in injury recovery and reducing stiffness. It helps in scar tissue breakdown, improving mobility and function.
Reduction in Swelling and Edema: Bu helping clear excess fluid, it reduces swelling in injured areas, aiding in faster recovery.
Improves Range of Motion and joint mobility: By reducing stiffness and increasing tissue elasticity, ultrasound therapy helps restore normal joint range of motion after injury or surgery.
Non-invasive Treatment: Most importantly, Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive, Safe and painless treatment option for managing pain and facilitating recovery without the need for medications or surgery.
Versatile Treatment: It can be applied to various conditions, including tendonitis, bursitis, muscle strains, sprains, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries, making it highly adaptable for a range of therapeutic needs.

Types of Ultrasound Machines Used in Ultrasound Physical Therapy

Ultrasound machines in physiotherapy typically operate at different frequencies—each suited for specific types of conditions based on tissue depth.

1 MHz: Used for deep tissue treatment (penetrates up to 5 cm).
3 MHz: Used for superficial tissue treatment (penetrates up to 2 cm).

A physiotherapist will select appropriate ultrasound machine and select a combination of treatment parameters such as frequency, intensity, duty cycle, and time based on the patient’s requirements. Furthermore, physiotherapists can make their choice from a variety of available multi-frequency treatment heads of various sizes.v

Ultrasound Therapy Treatment Parameters

Following are the parameters, which a physiotherapist will adjust based on the patient's specific condition and response, while administering therapeutic Ultrasound.

Frequency (1 MHz vs 3 MHz)
Intensity
• Low Intensity: 0.5 – 1.0 W/cm² (used for acute conditions or for pain modulation).
• Moderate Intensity: 1.0 – 1.5 W/cm² (common for chronic conditions or soft tissue healing).
• High Intensity: 1.5 – 2.0 W/cm² (used for deeper tissues or muscle spasms).
Duty Cycle
• Continuous Mode (100%): Provides a constant stream of ultrasound waves; used for deep heating and chronic conditions.
• Pulsed Mode (20% or 50%): Provides intermittent ultrasound waves; used for acute inflammation, tissue healing, or when heat is not desired.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment Area
Transducer Head Size

Which Conditions Can Be Treated with Ultrasound Therapy in Physiotherapy?

Conditions that often respond well to ultrasound therapy include:

Soft Tissue Injuries, including muscle strains, sprains, and ligament injuries
Tendonitis – such as in tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries
Bursitis
Arthritis – particularly for knee pain, hip pain and shoulder joint pain
Scar Tissue and Adhesions – assists in softening and breaking down scar tissue
Chronic Pain for conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and wrist pain
Frozen Shoulder
Back and Neck Pain especially those associated with spinal conditions like herniated discs
Neuromas, such as Morton’s neuroma

Avail Modern World-Class Physio therapy

Highest Rated Physiotherapy in India

4.9 (5500+)

Initiate your Physiotherapy

Get Started Now!

ReLiva Physiotherapy Clinics in India

FAQs

What can I expect during an ultrasound therapy session?

Once the physiotherapist has determined the right parameters for the ultrasound therapy, gel is applied to the skin, and a small device called a transducer is moved over the area. You may start having a slightly warm sensation in that area. The sound waves will penetrate and start their work - soon you will start to feel reduced pain.

How long does an ultrasound therapy session typically last?

Therapeutic ultrasound may be applied anything between 5 and 15 minutes, and it's typically not performed more than once per day. It may be used in multiple sessions, or fewer depending upon the specific condition being treated. The physiotherapist regularly reviews the patient’s pain levels and progress to adjust the treatment plan.

What are the contraindications for ultrasound therapy?

Therapeutic ultrasound is not used for problems near a pregnant woman's womb because it could put the pregnancy at risk. It is also generally not used over the spine, eyes, pacemakers, other implants, and areas with active infections.

Is ultrasound therapy painful?

Ultrasound therapy is a noninvasive medical treatment that is painless. You should not feel any discomfort during the treatment. If you do experience discomfort or pain, let your physiotherapist know immediately.

Therapies available at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab

Physiotherapists use a combination of advanced and specialised therapies for effective pain relief, improved movement and faster recovery.