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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

Therapeutic ultrasound

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In physiotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound means: A treatment that sends high-frequency sound waves into body tissues through a small head moved over the skin, traditionally used to help soft tissue healing.

In Turkish: terapötik ultrason, ultrason tedavisi

How it is used

Different from diagnostic ultrasound, which makes images. Physiotherapists choose settings such as frequency (often 1 or 3 MHz) and use a gel to carry the sound waves into the tissue. Its use has fallen in many countries because research evidence for its benefits is limited.

Example sentences

  1. Therapeutic ultrasound was applied to the outside of the elbow for five minutes.

  2. Patients often ask for therapeutic ultrasound, but we explain that exercise has stronger evidence.

Common collocations

  • apply therapeutic ultrasound
  • ultrasound gel
  • ultrasound head
  • pulsed ultrasound
  • electrotherapyTreatment that uses electrical energy or electrically powered devices, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound or laser, to reduce pain, support healing or make muscles work.
  • contraindicationA medical reason why a particular treatment should not be used for a patient, because it could cause harm.
  • TENSShort for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: a small battery-powered device that sends mild electrical pulses through pads on the skin to reduce pain.
  • heat therapyTreatment that warms the body tissues, for example with a hot pack, a heat pad or warm water, to ease pain, stiffness and muscle tension.

More terms: Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.