Ultrasound Treatment for Muscle and Joint Pain

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KEY POINTS

• Ultrasound treatment uses energy from high-frequency sound waves to treat some conditions, such as muscle and joint pain and injuries. Often ultrasound is used along with a physical therapy program of exercises and hands-on therapy.
• Ultrasound treatment should not be used on bone fractures, parts of your body where you have metal implants, or parts of your body that have a lot of fluid, such as ears, eyes, brain, and spinal cord. Pregnant women should not have this kind of ultrasound treatment.

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What is ultrasound treatment?

Ultrasound treatment uses energy from high-frequency sound waves to treat some conditions, such as muscle and joint pain and injuries. It is used on soft tissue, muscle bruises, and scar tissue, but not on bone fractures.

When is it used?

Ultrasound treatment may be used to:

• Decrease joint and muscle pain
• Increase blood flow to injured tissue to help injuries heal
• Help you have less scar tissue

Often ultrasound is used along with a physical therapy program of exercises and hands-on therapy.

Pregnant women should not have this kind of ultrasound treatment. Also, there are some parts of the body on which ultrasound should not be used, such as:

• Bone growth plates
• Body parts with metal implants
• Areas with a lot of fluid, such as the ears, eyes, brain, and spinal cord
• The area near your reproductive organs

How do I prepare for this treatment?

No special preparation is necessary. However, your provider may recommend doing a warm-up exercise before your treatment. It's also good to stretch the muscles and soft tissues in the area that will be treated.

What happens during the treatment?

The treatment is usually given by a certified trainer or physical therapist in a training room or clinic.

A small device called a transducer is placed on your body. A gel is put on your skin to improve the contact between your body and the transducer. The therapist moves the transducer in slow, even movements. The treatment normally lasts up to 10 minutes.

What happens after the treatment?

After the ultrasound treatment, the gel is wiped off your skin. Your therapist or trainer will give you instructions for stretching or exercising the muscle and soft tissue of the treated area.

What are the risks of this treatment?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this treatment include:

• Soft tissue burns
• Bone burns
• Increased swelling

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.