Ultrasound Therapy for Arthritis

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to treat diseases such as arthritis and to repair injuries to muscles and soft tissue. Sound waves are produced by an ultrasound machine and applied to the painful area with a wand that is attached to the machine. Treatment may last for four to six weeks with one to two sessions each week or more if needed.

Ultrasound Therapy

• A physical or occupational therapist administers treatment with the ultrasound machine. You lie on a table either lying face up or down depending on the area being treated. Your therapist applies a gel-like substance on the painful area of your body and then gently rubs a wand that is attached to the ultrasound machine over the gel. Sound waves enter the body through the wand and penetrate the skin's tissue. Low frequency sound waves penetrate deep into the skin's tissue, while high frequency sound waves only penetrate slightly into the skin's surface. Your therapist evaluates your arthritis pain and location and decides what frequency is best for your needs. You lie on the table for five to ten minutes as the therapist continues to move the wand head over the gel area. You may feel a mild pulsing sensation and slight heat during the treatment. Sound waves create heat within the tissue encouraging blood flow and relief from arthritis pain. Ultrasound therapy may reduce swelling in painful arthritic joint areas.

  How often you receive treatment depends on the amount of pain you endure from the arthritis. Your therapist may request therapy sessions once a day for a week then slow down to once or twice a week. Ultrasound therapy is non-invasive and is relatively safe. Do not have ultrasound therapy performed on your stomach if you are pregnant, over open wounds, cuts or fractures, or near eyes, breasts or sexual organs. Allow only a licensed therapist to administer ultrasound treatments for your arthritis.