What are the Effects?
Therapeutic ultrasound may have two types of benefit: Thermal effects involve energy absorbed from the sound waves heating the tissue. If the tissue is heated to 40 to 45 °C (104 to 113 °F), it can enter a state of hyperaemia (increased blood flow), which speeds healing and reduces chronic inflammation.
Cavitational effects result from the vibration of the tissue causing microscopic air bubbles to form, which transmit the vibrations in a way that directly stimulates cell membranes. This physical stimulation appears to enhance the cell-repair effects of the inflammatory response.