Researchers are studying whethertherapeutic ultrasoundworks as a treatment in physical therapy.
This article looks at ultrasound therapy in physical therapy and what the research says about its effectiveness.
Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Help?
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Studies about using ultrasound to help speed healing are not so positive.
There are many studies that compare ultrasound use to sham (fake) ultrasound.
There were no differences in the recovery of patients in either group.
Other studies have had mixed results.
Inside an ultrasound machine, an electrical charge is applied to a crystal, creating a piezo-electric effect.
This produces ultrasonic waves.
Can Ultrasound Hurt?
Ultrasound is a pretty safe and innocuous treatment in physical therapy.
This puts responsibility for your care in your physical therapists hands and not your own.
But is it really the placebo effect?
If your condition improves because of the placebo effect, that is fine.
But some professionals argue that using the placebo effect in the treatment of conditions is unethical.
Studies may not really support the use of ultrasound in physical therapy.
Summary
Evidence for the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy is mixed.
Ultrasound should not be used in certain situations, such as in very young children and people with cancer.
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doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009169.pub3
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.Therapeutic modalities.
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