Physical Therapy Ultrasound Helps Reduce Joint and Muscle Pain

Physical therapy ultrasound has been around since the 1940's, when therapists learned that ultrasound waves could destroy brain tissue and used it to treat patients with Parkinson disease. Patients could also receive treatment for ulcers and arthritis using ultrasound waves. Ultrasound is a form of heat therapy, and heat has been proven to loosen muscles and tissues and help people relax. With physical therapy ultrasound patients can receive noninvasive treatment for back, neck, knee, and leg pain.

What Is Ultrasound in Physical Therapy?

Ultrasound makes high frequency sound waves that when placed on an area of the body cause vibrations. These vibrations, rather than the actual ultrasound machine, is what causes the production of heat. The vibrations happen deep within the tissues. Blood is drawn into the tissues from the vibrations and bring more nutrients and enzymes that help heal damaged areas.

Ultrasound can help patients who need relief from pain, inflammation, and frequent muscle spasms. The vibrations of the molecules within the tissue also increases the flexibility of joints and can help speed the healing of scar tissue. The therapist will choose whether to use ultrasound continuously or in pulses depending on the location and intensity of the pain. A therapist may also choose to apply ultrasound for a short period to help loosen muscles before exercise therapy.

How Does Physical Therapy Ultrasound Work?

A sound head is used to administer the ultrasound waves to the affected area. A therapist will squirt a hypoallergenic gel onto the probe to help reduce friction when using the sound head. For several minutes the therapist will rub the sound head in circular motions across the skin, allowing the sound waves to vibrate the tissues. The sound head must move continuously or the high frequency waves can cause slight burns or hot spots.

Physical therapists can also use an anti-inflammatory gel in conjunction with the hypoallergenic gel when administering ultrasound. The ultrasound waves cause the medicated gel to enter the body, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling of the tissues.

Patients will either sit in a chair or lie on a table to receive treatment. Depending on the area being treated, patients may need to change into a gown or robe before receiving treatment.

Specific Conditions Helped by Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy works best on conditions that cause swelling and muscle soreness. Some common conditions that would benefit from ultrasound therapy include:

• muscle spasms


• nerve compression


• arthritis and osteoarthritis


• carpal tunnel


• fibromyalgia


• myofascial pain syndrome


• rheumatoid arthritis


• whiplash


• tendinitis


• sprains


• herniated discs

Physical therapy ultrasound is a modality that is used in conjunction with other therapies. The duration of ultrasound therapy is dependent upon the severity of the pain and whether or not the therapy seems to be showing favorable results. Ultrasound therapy is generally safe for most patients. However, patients who have pacemakers, open wounds, have a chance of being pregnant, or recently had surgery should inform the therapist before receiving treatment.