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Therapeutic ultrasound
therapeutic ultrasound · ultrasound therapy · phonophoresis · ultrasound physical therapy
A specialist moves a probe over your skin that sends ultrasound deep into the tissues. Sometimes a medicated gel is used.
For pain in joints, ligaments, and muscles, after injuries, and for scars, as your doctor prescribes.
⏱ Duration: a session usually takes 5 to 15 minutes; a course is usually about 10 sessions
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Skin. Skin should be clean, with no cream.
- Clothes. Wear something that lets you uncover the area.
What to bring
- Your doctor's referral
- Tissues to wipe off the gel
How it goes
- You lie or sit comfortably
- Gel is put on the skin
- The specialist slowly moves the probe over the sore area
- Sometimes it is done in water, for fingers and feet
- At the end, the gel is wiped off
What you'll feel
- Usually nothing but the touch of the probe
- Sometimes mild warmth. If it feels hot or hurts, say so right away
Afterwards
- You can return to normal activities right away
- Come to sessions on schedule. The full course matters
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pain or burning in the treated area that does not go away: tell your doctor
Common questions
Is this the same as an ultrasound scan?
No. A scan uses ultrasound to look inside. This uses it to treat. The devices and power are different.
Can it be done with metal in the bone?
Usually it is limited in that area. Tell your doctor, and they will decide.