Ultrasound therapy, also known as therapeutic ultrasound, describes any medical procedure that uses ultrasound technology for therapeutic benefits. The procedure applies continuous or short pulses of ultrasonic waves to the area of treatment. Thermal and mechanical are the two main forms of ultrasound therapy. A number of medical procedures use this technology.
Thermal Ultrasound Therapy
Thermal ultrasound therapy is commonly used to treat soft tissue injuries. The continuous transmission of ultrasonic waves increases tissue cell metabolism, promoting healing of injuries and regeneration of healthy soft tissue. Benefits include reduction of pain and the healing period.
Mechanical Ultrasound Therapy
Mechanical ultrasound therapy delivers pulses of ultrasonic waves to areas of pain or injury, inducing the expansion and contraction of soft tissues. Benefits includes pain relief due to the reduction of injury inflammatory response and tissue swelling.
Ultrasound Mediated Drug Delivery
Ultrasound mediated drug delivery uses ultrasound waves paired with specific compounds to deliver drugs directly into targeted cells. Commonly used in chemotherapy for treatment of cancer, the procedure's benefits include targeted, concentrated treatment, enabling reduced medication and more immediate results.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU is a non-invasive surgical technique that converts high, intense ultrasound waves into heat to quickly destroy diseased tissue. This procedure is commonly used for treatment of uterine fibroids and atrial fibrillation and delivering drugs to the brain and is partnered with chemotherapy for treatment of cancer. Benefits include the procedure's ability to focus targeted tissue without negatively affecting surrounding healthy tissue and reduced healing time.
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure used in treatment of kidney, gallbladder and liver stones. High intensity ultrasound shock waves are delivered in a series of pulses to fragment stones into smaller pieces that can be naturally excreted from the body. Benefits from this procedure include the painless passing of stones and reduced healing time common with invasive surgical procedures.
Ultrasound Assisted Thrombolysis
Ultrasound assisted thrombolysis uses ultrasound waves to target and break down blood clots. Benefits include a more targeted, immediate solution than pharmaceutical blood thinning treatment and reduced complications and healing time usually associated with invasive surgical procedures.
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