Injuries, such as cuts, burns, or surgery, trigger a natural healing process that forms scar tissue. This fibrous patch repairs damaged skin and fills gaps. While important for recovery, excessive or disorganized scar tissue can sometimes lead to stiffness, pain, and limited movement. Many seek ways to manage this tissue, and therapeutic ultrasound is often considered.
Understanding Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate body tissues for healing. This differs from diagnostic ultrasound, which creates internal images. Therapeutic devices generate these sound waves through vibrating crystals.
Sound waves, ranging from 0.7 to 3.3 megahertz (MHz), penetrate soft tissues. Frequency influences depth: 3 MHz treats superficial tissues (2-3 cm deep), while 1 MHz reaches deeper tissues (3-6 cm). A conductive gel is applied to the skin before treatment for efficient sound wave transmission.
How Ultrasound Influences Scar Tissue
Therapeutic ultrasound does not “break up” scar tissue destructively. Instead, it influences tissue structure and healing, promoting remodeling and softening through thermal and non-thermal effects.
Thermal effects occur when continuous ultrasound waves generate deep heat. This localized heating increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients for tissue repair and waste removal. The increased temperature also enhances collagen fiber extensibility, making scar tissue more pliable and less restrictive.
Non-thermal effects, achieved with pulsed ultrasound, involve mechanical actions without significant heat. These include microstreaming and cavitation, where sound waves create tiny gas bubbles that expand and contract, causing microscopic fluid movement around cells. This mechanical stimulation influences cellular activity, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new, organized collagen and facilitating existing collagen reorganization, which softens scar tissue, improves flexibility, and reduces inflammation.
Common Applications and Treatment Experience
Therapeutic ultrasound manages scar tissue from post-surgical scars, contractures, and chronic tendon injuries. It also treats sprains, strains, and bursitis. The aim is to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance healing.
During a session, a physical therapist applies conductive gel to the affected area. A handheld ultrasound device is then gently moved in circular motions across the skin. Patients report little discomfort, though some may experience a mild warming sensation, tingling, or slight pulsing.
Treatment sessions typically last 5 to 10 minutes, though some may extend to 10 to 20 minutes depending on the area; a full course involves multiple sessions over weeks or months, based on scar characteristics and individual response. Therapeutic ultrasound is integrated into a broader physical therapy plan, including manual therapy and exercises.