Ultrasound is the best form of heat treatment for soft tissue injuries. It is used to treat joint and muscle sprains, bursitis, and tendonitis. Ultrasound treatment is used to:    • relieve pain and inflammation    • speed healing    • reduce muscle spasms    • increase range of motion Ultrasound makes high frequency sound waves. The sound waves vibrate tissues deep inside the injured area. This creates heat that draws more blood into the tissues. The tissues then respond to healing nutrients brought in by the blood and the repair process begins.

Treatment is given with a soundhead that is moved gently in strokes or circles over the injured area. It lasts just a few minutes. The procedure may be performed with the soundhead alone or combined with a topical anti-inflammatory drug or gel.

Ultrasound treatment is often used by physical therapists, trainers, and many other healthcare providers. It is very safe and is never used around the eyes, ears, ovaries, testicles, or spinal cord, or where there is an active infection.

Source: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics