Ultrasounds are a frequently used treatment in physiotherapy. Ultrasound therapy is also known as sonotherapy. Learn about sample applications using ASTAR’s device.
Ultrasound therapy - indications
Ultrasound therapy is used for its analgesic effect in cases such as:
- cervical arthritic spondylosis pains
- Th and L-S spinal pains
- sciatic neuralgia pains
- painful shoulder syndrome
- painful elbow syndrome
- phantom limb pains
Ultrasound therapy examples of applications
Lumbalgia - acute condition
Methodology: Labile technique, sonication area – the paravertebral area at the level of the exit of the involved nerve root
Effect: Changes in polarization of cell membrane, increased permeability of blood vessels walls, stimulation of fibroblast activity, stimulation of angiogenesis
Carrier frequency
1 MHz
Impulse frequency
100 Hz
Duty factor
50%
Power density
0.8 W/cm²
Ultrasound head
4 cm2
Treatment time
8 min
Number of treatments in a series
5-15 depending on therapy progress
Frequency of treatments
Daily, until the relief of acute condition

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) - chronic condition
Methodology: Semi-stable technique, sonication area – the area of the epicondyle and the muscle attachments
Effect: Increased tensile strength of collagen fibres, reduced tension, increased temperature in tissues, hyperaemia, pain relief
Carrier frequency
3.5 MHz
Impulse frequency
Cont (continuous mode)
Duty factor
-
Power density
1 W/cm²
Ultrasound head
4 cm2
Treatment time
8 min
Number of treatments in a series
5-15 depending on therapy progress
Frequency of treatments
3 times a week

Calcaneal spur- chronic condition
Methodology: Semi-stable technique, sonication area – the area of the plantar aponeurosis attachment on the calcaneal tuberosity
Effect: Increased tensile strength of collagen fibres, reduced tension, increased temperature in tissues, hyperaemia, pain relief
Carrier frequency
1 MHz
Impulse frequency
100 Hz
Duty factor
75%
Power density
1.5 W/cm²
Ultrasound head
4 cm2
Treatment time
8 min
Number of treatments in a series
5-15 depending on therapy progress
Frequency of treatments
3 times a week

- Ultrasounds in physical thetapy – indications and contraindications
- LIPUS (Low intensity pulsed ultrasound)
- Application of ultrasounds in physiotherapy
- Everything you need to know about the Set and Go ultrasound head – SnG
- High power laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy
- Ultrasound – what does a treatment with an ultrasound therapy unit look like?