Ultrasound treatments are used to ease pain, improve circulation, and speed healing. Ultrasound treatments can be manipulated to have different effects. Your therapist can set the frequency and intensity of the sound waves to create heat in the sore area. This thermal effect brings in blood to the sore area. The blood brings in oxygen and nutrients, and it flushes away waste products and chemicals that may be causing pain. Thermal treatments can also stimulate the nerve sensors to start easing pain. As the pain eases, tight muscles can relax, which further relieves the cycle of pain.
The ultrasound machine can also be set in a way that avoids a thermal effect. This is often necessary if the area is swollen or severely inflamed. The non-thermal treatments can help move body chemicals to and from the cells in the sore area. This can help speed the healing process.