What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into soft tissues — promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and speeding up the healing process. It’s completely painless and scientifically proven to help manage musculoskeletal injuries, especially those involving tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules.
At UK Pain Clinic, therapeutic ultrasound is used as a complementary treatment within your personalized care plan. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendon pain, ligament strain, or post-surgical stiffness, ultrasound therapy helps restore tissue mobility, circulation, and function — faster and more comfortably.
🔍 How Does It Work?
The ultrasound device consists of a handheld applicator that emits high-frequency sound waves through a conductive gel applied to your skin. These waves travel into the affected tissue and generate microscopic vibrations and gentle heat that:
🧬 Stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery
🔄 Enhance cellular activity and tissue regeneration
🔥 Reduce inflammation and fluid build-up
💢 Break down scar tissue or adhesions
💪 Improve tissue flexibility and range of motion
There are two modes:
Thermal Mode – used for chronic conditions to generate deep heat
Non-Thermal (Pulsed) Mode – used for acute injuries or inflammation without heat
Who Is This Treatment For?
Therapeutic ultrasound is ideal for patients experiencing:
Tendon and ligament injuries (e.g. rotator cuff, Achilles, patellar tendon) Muscle strains or overuse injuries Chronic inflammation (e.g. bursitis, tendonitis) Scar tissue and adhesions post-injury or surgery Joint stiffness or capsulitis Soft tissue swelling or restricted mobility Delayed healing from trauma or surgery Frozen shoulder or limited range in neck, back, or knees
🧍♂️ Who Is This Treatment For?
Therapeutic ultrasound is ideal for patients experiencing:
- Assessment: Your clinician identifies the target tissue or pain area
- Application: Conductive gel is applied to the skin
- Treatment: A handheld applicator moves in circular motions over the area
- Customization: The therapist adjusts intensity and mode (thermal or pulsed) based on your needs
- Post-Therapy: The area may feel looser or more mobile; sometimes followed by rehab or stretching
🎯 Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound
✔️ Deep tissue healing without discomfort
✔️ Improves circulation and nutrient delivery
✔️ Reduces inflammation and joint swelling
✔️ Softens tight or fibrotic tissues
✔️ Enhances mobility and flexibility
✔️ Speeds up recovery from chronic or acute injuries
✔️ Complements manual therapy and rehab exercises
✔️ Safe and effective for a wide range of ages and conditions
⚠️ When Is It Not Recommended?
We avoid therapeutic ultrasound if:
You have active cancer in the treatment area
You are pregnant (near the abdomen or pelvis)
You have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
You have a pacemaker or metal implant in the treatment area
You are treating an open wound or active infection
Your therapist will always screen for these conditions before proceeding.
🧾 Pricing & Session Info
| Service Name | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic Ultrasound | 10–15 mins | Often included in sessions* |
📍 Location: UK Pain Clinic – London Euston
🧑⚕️ Provided by: HCPC/CSP-registered physiotherapists
📅 Booking: Included within physio or rehab sessions (when needed)
💳 Insurance: Accepted by most major UK providers
*Therapeutic ultrasound is often used within a full physiotherapy or rehab session and does not require a separate booking unless requested.
Not at all. Most people feel a warm, gentle sensation or nothing at all during treatment.
Typically, 4–8 sessions are needed depending on your condition. Ultrasound is most effective when combined with physiotherapy.
Almost any soft tissue area — especially shoulders, knees, ankles, elbows, and lower back — can be treated safely.
Some patients feel immediate relief, while others notice progressive improvement over several sessions.
Absolutely — it works best when paired with manual therapy, rehab exercises, cupping, or dry needling.