The effect of ultrasound can aid healing via an increase in local blood flow which can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. We often use a greater power frequency in cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal.

Ultrasound generates high frequency sound vibrations that stimulates the tissue cells. This can cause the cell walls to become more permeable, allowing the movement of proteins from the blood into the cells aiding repair. It can also aid in the transport of essential ions and nutrients to the cell in order to repair the body and relieve pain at the source.

Common conditions which are treated with ultrasound include soft tissue injuries such as tendinopathies, non-acute joint swelling and muscle spasm/strains. Most muscle and ligament injuries can benefit from therapeutic ultrasound in conjunction with other soft tissue modalities and an appropriate, structured rehab program.

Therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to cause increases in:

• healing rates
• tissue relaxation
• tissue heating
• blood flow stimulation
• scar tissue breakdown.