Springfield Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute

Ultrasound Therapy - Pain Management/Rehabilitation

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Introduction

Ultrasound therapy is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction.  Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver deep heat to the treated tissues.  The treatments may help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain, increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement.  Ultrasound therapy is a painless procedure, and many people find it relaxing.
 
A doctor or licensed therapist that is certified in ultrasound can provide the therapy.  Ultrasound therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with stretching, therapeutic massage, heat, or physical or occupational therapy.
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Treatment

You will wear a hospital gown for your ultrasound treatment.  Your therapist will only expose the area of skin that is to be treated.  A conduction gel will be put on your skin.  The ultrasound conduction device, a small unit about the size of a computer mouse, will be gently placed on your skin to deliver the ultrasound treatment.  When your treatment is completed, the conduction gel is wiped off.
 
Following ultrasound, your therapist may help you stretch your joints.  Passive range of motion exercise may be followed by active range of motion exercise or massage. 
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.