What Is Ultrasound Therapy?
Therapeutic ultrasound delivers sound energy at 1 or 3 MHz frequency through a coupling gel into body tissue. The sound waves create mechanical vibration at the cellular level, which produces two therapeutic effects: thermal (gentle heating of deep tissue) and non-thermal (acoustic streaming and stable cavitation). Both mechanisms are beneficial for tendon healing — thermal effects improve blood flow and tissue extensibility, while non-thermal effects stimulate the fibroblast cells responsible for producing tendon collagen.
How Ultrasound Therapy Treats Tendon Injuries and Tendinopathy
Tendons have a naturally poor blood supply, which is why tendon injuries heal slowly and are prone to becoming chronic. Therapeutic ultrasound counters this by enhancing local microcirculation and stimulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis directly within the tendon tissue. In the subacute and chronic phases, continuous ultrasound also softens collagen cross-links in scar tissue, improving tendon extensibility when combined with stretching and loading exercises. This makes it a valuable complement to progressive tendon loading rehabilitation protocols.
What to Expect During Treatment at Realign Rehab Clinic
Dr. Vaishali Suri at Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5 Faridabad, applies gel to the tendon area and moves the ultrasound head slowly over the treatment zone. For most tendons the treatment zone is small and the session takes five to eight minutes. Pulsed ultrasound is used in the early phase to promote healing without excess heat; continuous ultrasound is used later to soften scar tissue and improve tendon glide. Treatment is combined with carefully progressed loading exercises, as mechanical loading and ultrasound together produce superior tendon remodelling compared to either alone.
Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy for Tendon Healing
- Stimulates collagen synthesis in poorly vascularised tendon tissue
- Reduces tendon scar tissue formation and improves tissue organisation
- Enhances the effectiveness of tendon loading rehabilitation
- Painless and suitable for use close to bony prominences where other therapies are difficult
Is Ultrasound Therapy Safe?
Ultrasound therapy is very safe for tendon conditions. It should not be applied over active infection, tumour, growth plates in skeletally immature patients, or directly over a complete tendon rupture requiring surgical repair. Care is taken over bony prominences to avoid periosteal pain. Dr. Vaishali Suri uses evidence-based dosing protocols specific to the tendon being treated and the phase of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ultrasound therapy hurt?
Ultrasound therapy over tendons is painless. A mild warmth may be felt in the subacute phase when continuous mode is used. The treatment area is small and the transducer is kept moving throughout, so the heat level remains well within comfort.
How many sessions of ultrasound therapy will I need?
Tendon conditions typically require eight to twelve sessions, often combined with progressive loading exercises. Chronic tendinopathy with significant scar tissue may need up to fifteen sessions. Dr. Vaishali Suri regularly reassesses tissue response and adjusts the dosage parameters.
Is ultrasound therapy available in Faridabad?
Yes. Ultrasound Therapy is available at Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5 Faridabad. Dr. Vaishali Suri uses this technique as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy programme. Call +91 9818185589 to book.