Therapeutic ultrasound is one of the treatments available at Nordic Physio. It is never the whole plan. We use it selectively, alongside exercise and hands-on treatment, where the assessment suggests it suits the problem.
What it is
A handheld treatment head sends high-frequency sound waves through a gel into the soft tissue under the skin. Depending on the settings, this produces gentle warmth or a non-thermal vibration in the tissue. Most people feel mild warmth or nothing at all.
When we might use it
Physiotherapists use ultrasound for some soft tissue problems, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains and tendon problems, usually as a short part of a session. Whether it is worth using for your problem is decided at assessment. For many conditions, exercise and graded loading do more of the work, and we will tell you plainly when that is the case.
When it isn’t suitable
Ultrasound is not used over a pregnancy, over areas of active cancer, over a pacemaker, over areas of reduced sensation, or over an infection or a suspected fracture. We check for these before using it.
Funding and booking
Ultrasound is available under NDIS, DVA, WorkCover and bulk-billed CDM appointments where clinically appropriate. Book online or call (07) 4962 1255.
Common questions
Does ultrasound therapy hurt?
No. Most people feel mild warmth or nothing.
Is this the same as an ultrasound scan?
No. A scan uses sound waves to make an image. Therapeutic ultrasound uses them as a treatment, and we don’t take images.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem. Ultrasound is one part of a plan, and your physio will give you a realistic timeframe after the assessment.
Reviewed by Eric Wahlander, Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Nordic Physio. Registered with Ahpra (PHY0002305253) and practising in Gladstone since 2019.