Therapeutic ultrasound is a medical treatment using high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Therapeutic ultrasound induces mechanical and thermal effects in order to affect deep or superficial tissue. Therapeutic ultrasound is commonly applied in musculoskeletal conditions to enhance blood flow, relaxes muscles, and aid in rehabilitation.
Mechanical Effects: Therapeutic ultrasound produces mechanical effects through frequency waves. These waves create vibration and micro-massage within the tissues to promote blood flow and cellular activity.
Thermal Effects: Tissues are able to absorb the ultrasound waves in order to increase temperature within the muscle or ligament. This deep heat is able to increase flexibility, improve blood flow, and relax muscles.
Acoustic Streaming: Therapeutic ultrasound is able to create movement of fluid particles known as acoustic streaming. This movement of fluid particles can help improve tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and help with edema (fluid) build up.