Treatments
Who Is a Good Candidate for Therapeutic Ultrasound?
What is therapeutic ultrasound?
When most people think of ultrasound technology, they envision a type of Doppler scan used to monitor pregnancies and to diagnose medical issues; however, ultrasound technology can also be used for medical treatment. Therapeutic ultrasound, or ultrasound therapy, is a non-invasive, medication-free procedure that has been used to treat various chronic pain conditions since the 1940s. It is typically performed by a trained physical therapist in an outpatient setting; it is also used in hospitals for certain injuries and conditions during the recovery process.
Who is a good candidate for therapeutic ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound can reduce inflammation and pain in the ligaments, joints or muscles. Candidates for therapeutic ultrasounds include individuals with the following conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shoulder pain
- Tendonitis
- Ligament injuries
- Joint tightness
Who is not a good candidate for therapeutic ultrasound?
Individuals with the following conditions are not good candidates for ultrasound:
- Infections, burns or wounds in the treatment area
- Cancer, especially in the treatment area
- Fractures in the treatment area
- Pregnancy
- Implanted devices, such as pacemakers, spinal cord stimulators, or deep brain stimulation devices