Therapeutic Ultrasound
Targeted Therapy to Support Healing, Reduce Pain & Improve Mobility
Therapeutic ultrasound is a commonly used physiotherapy modality that helps promote tissue healing, reduce pain and improve mobility. It is particularly effective for treating soft tissue injuries and areas of chronic or acute inflammation in both dogs and cats.
At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound is used as part of an individualised treatment plan, always under veterinary referral or consent.
How Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Work?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through a handheld treatment head. These sound waves penetrate tissues beneath the skin and create therapeutic effects within muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint structures.
Ultrasound works by:
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Increasing local blood flow
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Improving tissue elasticity
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Reducing inflammation
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Stimulating tissue repair
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Decreasing pain and muscle spasm
Depending on the condition being treated, ultrasound may be used in pulsed mode (to reduce inflammation) or continuous mode (to increase tissue extensibility and circulation).
What Happens During an Ultrasound Session?
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A small amount of gel is applied to the treatment area
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The ultrasound head is gently moved over the skin
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Treatment is non-invasive and usually painless
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Sessions are short and well tolerated
Most pets remain relaxed during treatment, and no sedation is required.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound may be beneficial for:
Soft Tissue Injuries
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Muscle strains and tears
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Tendon and ligament injuries
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Scar tissue and adhesions
Joint & Musculoskeletal Conditions
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Osteoarthritis
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Reduced joint mobility
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Chronic stiffness
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Ultrasound is often combined with manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation to maximise results.
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Post-Operative Recovery
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Soft tissue surgery recovery
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Scar management
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Supporting tissue healing
Chronic Pain & Inflammation
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Long-standing muscular pain
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Areas of poor tissue flexibility
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Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound
✔ Promotes tissue healing
✔ Reduces pain and inflammation
✔ Improves flexibility and mobility
✔ Supports recovery following injury or surgery
✔ Non-invasive and well tolerated
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Is Therapeutic Ultrasound Safe?
When delivered by a trained veterinary physiotherapist, therapeutic ultrasound is safe and well researched. Treatment settings are tailored to the individual patient and condition.
Ultrasound is not suitable in certain situations, such as over areas of infection, growth plates, or malignant tumours. For this reason, veterinary referral or consent is required prior to treatment.
Working Alongside Your Veterinary Surgeon
Therapeutic ultrasound is provided in collaboration with your veterinary practice and used to complement veterinary diagnosis and treatment plans. Progress updates can be shared with your vet where appropriate.
Is Therapeutic Ultrasound Right for Your Pet?
If your dog or cat is experiencing pain, stiffness, soft tissue injury or reduced mobility, therapeutic ultrasound may be a helpful part of their physiotherapy programme.