•  
  •  

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound is high-pitched sound that people cannot hear. These high-pitched sound waves are sometimes used to treat muscle spasms and pain and to promote healing.

Ultrasound at higher intensities creates a deep heat that may help to ease muscle spasms, relax and warm muscles, and increase muscle elasticity before stretching and exercise.

Ultrasound may also act on the cells to promote healing. At lower intensities, ultrasound can have this healing effect without also heating the tissues.

Excessive use of either the heating or non-heating properties of ultrasound can damage tissues. Ultrasound is not generally used for children.

Last Revised: March 4, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.