At Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness, our Therapeutic Ultrasound is one of the gentle, non-invasive therapies we use to support tissue healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. This modality uses high-frequency sound waves – far above what the human ear can detect – to penetrate soft tissues and promote deep, targeted healing where it’s needed most.

Therapeutic Ultrasound has been widely used in chiropractic, physical therapy, and sports medicine for decades. During treatment, your provider uses a small, round-headed ultrasound wand (transducer) applied directly to your skin with a conductive gel. As the wand moves over the affected area, ultrasonic waves vibrate soft tissues at the cellular level, helping to reduce inflammation and promote repair.

This therapy is especially effective for chronic pain, soft-tissue injuries, post-surgical recovery, and conditions involving muscle tightness or scar tissue.

Why it’s done & key benefits

Therapeutic ultrasound is commonly used to help:

  • Reduce inflammation and swelling in injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Decrease pain by improving tissue mobility and reducing irritation.
  • Increase blood flow to support faster, more efficient healing.
  • Break down scar tissue and adhesions, improving flexibility and range of motion.
  • Promote soft-tissue repair, especially in chronic or slow-healing injuries.
  • Accelerate healing of bone fractures, as supported by certain clinical studies.

Conditions often treated with therapeutic ultrasound include: tendonitis and bursitis, muscle strains and sprains, scar tissue restrictions, chronic inflammation, joint stiffness, plantar fasciitis, back and neck muscle tightness, sports injuries.

What to expect during treatment

A typical ultrasound session is simple, comfortable, and lasts about 5 – 10 minutes. Here’s what happens:

  1. Your chiropractor applies a warm gel to the treatment area to improve sound wave conduction.
  2. The ultrasound wand is moved in slow, circular motions over the skin.
  3. You may feel mild warmth or no sensation at all, depending on the settings used.
  4. After treatment, many patients experience improved mobility and reduced discomfort.

Therapeutic Ultrasound is safe, painless, and well-tolerated by patients of all ages. No special preparation is required, but the following can help:

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that provides easy access to the area being treated.
  • Avoid applying lotions or topical creams beforehand, as they may interfere with the ultrasound gel.
  • Let your provider know if you have any metal implants, medical devices, or are pregnant – ultrasound can still be used safely but may need modifications based on the area.

Is therapeutic ultrasound right for you?

Therapeutic Ultrasound is a valuable complement to chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and other soft-tissue treatments. It is ideal for patients dealing with chronic pain, recurring injuries, or inflammation that has not responded to rest or stretching alone.

However, it may not be recommended for certain areas of the body – your chiropractor will ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

Get in touch with Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness!

We truly believe that everyone deserves to live pain-free, even as you age. We will do everything we can to ensure that you are comfortable. We are proud to help you live better lives, pain-free.