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Therapeutic ultrasound is a commonly applied modality in physical therapy and rehabilitation that employs sonic vibrations to promote healing and reduce pain. While it may appear to be a one-size-fits-all method, there are diverse protocols of therapeutic ultrasound, each with specialized uses and advantages. Knowing the distinctions can help patients and practitioners choose the best-suited technique for particular injuries.

The standard approach is continuous ultrasound. This mode maintains continuous transmission and produces consistent deep heating deep within tissues. It is routinely employed to increase blood flow, ease muscular tension, and improve tissue elasticity. Continuous ultrasound is best applied in long-standing injuries such as Achilles tendinosis, myofascial restriction, or limited range of motion where thermal energy alleviates discomfort and enhances movement.

An alternative approach is pulsed ultrasound, which delivers sound waves in short bursts rather than without pause. This mode generates negligible heat and is primarily employed to leverage its cellular stimulation properties. Pulsed ultrasound is commonly chosen for inflammatory phases or when temperature elevation is contraindicated, such as in acute ligament strains. It helps to stimulate cellular activity, reduce swelling, and enhance regenerative processes without inducing measurable heat buildup.

An emerging variation is LIPUS, which employs sub-thermal intensities and is clinically applied for enhance fracture repair. It has been clinically validated for treating non-healing osseous defects and is occasionally applied experimentally for connective tissue trauma. The LIPUS protocol works by stimulating osteoblasts and other repair cells, making it a powerful adjunct in bone healing protocols.

A distinct but related therapy exists, which although technically distinct from traditional ultrasound is often categorized within the overall ultrasound therapy domain. It applies powerful pressure pulses to target chronic pain areas like plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow. Shockwave therapy can dissolve pathological fibrosis and stimulate neovascularization.

All forms of therapeutic ultrasound has targeted applications and absolute cautions. For example, application is unsafe over tumors, the retina, the spinal cord, or in expectant mothers. The decision between continuous, pulsed, LIPUS, or shockwave therapy depends on the mechanism of trauma, the phase of recovery, Praxis Physiotherapie Basel and the rehabilitation targets.

To conclude therapeutic ultrasound is not a generic fix. A trained rehabilitation specialist will assess the patient’s condition and select the type and settings that best support recovery. When applied correctly, the treatment can be a highly effective, drug-free intervention to enhance healing and restore function.