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Use of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Children

Arthritis, swelling, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and even genetic conditions---therapeutic ultrasound is an increasingly popular way to treat a variety of ailments for adults and children. In essence, therapeutic ultrasound stimulates tissue below the skin's surface by using sound waves---kind of like a high-frequency massage that can go as deep as 4 inches beneath the skin's surface. Therapeutic ultrasound should never be used on anyone younger than age 16 without a professional recommendation and treatment plan.

  1. Therapeutic Ultrasound for Children

    • In particular, therapeutic ultrasound can increase blood flow to various regions of your child's body, speeding the healing process and reducing scar tissue. Also important, it can decrease the pain, discomfort and swelling associated with myriad injuries and conditions and even increase muscle strength. Whether your child is an athlete who needs a tune-up or is suffereing from a more serious long-term condition, careful application of therapeutic ultrasound can make her body and mind feel better and increase function and quality of life.

    Therapy

    • In general, a session of therapeutic ultrasound for children will consist of a five- to 10-minute treatment a couple of times a day or week, depending on the issue. While a variety of ultrasound machines are available over the counter, it is advisable, especially for children, to consult a professional doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist who has expertise with the machines and their therapeutic benefits.

    Contraindications

    • In recognition of the healing effects of ultrasound, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine in 2009 reached a management agreement with the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound to support the society and help maximize its mission of advancing therapeutic ultrasound applications worldwide.

      Therapeutic ultrasound, however, should not be used in children or adults who have cancerous tissue, any risk of hemorrhage, an acute ifection or a bone fracture, or who are pregnant. It should not be used in the areas of the gonads, bone growth plates in kids, over the spine or around the eyes.

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