Ultrasound Therapy to reduce pain

Ultrasound therapy is a form of diathermy, the deep heating of tissues. Other types of diathermy include microwave and radiofrequency (short-wave) or high-frequency devices. At a tissue depth of 2 inches, diathermy devices should produce heat between 104 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit (40 to 45.5 degrees centigrade) for a maximum of 20 minutes, according to the U.S. There are two approaches when using ultrasound therapy: continuous wave and pulsed wave. In cases where heating is not desired, such as with acute inflammation or with wound care, intermittent (pulsed) is used, rather than the typical continuous application, which provides mechanical effects such as increased permeability of cell membranes and possibly repair of tissues.