A Deep Dive into Therapeutic Ultrasound: How It Works, Why It Heals, and How to Use It Effectively

Therapeutic ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave device that operates beyond the realm of human hearing. Unlike diagnostic ultrasound, which is used for imaging, therapeutic ultrasound is designed to promote healing within the body by stimulating cellular activity and increasing blood flow to injured tissues.

Our therapeutic ultrasound device operates at 1MHz, a frequency that penetrates deep into tissues, making it particularly effective for treating injuries and conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joints. While 3MHz ultrasound is available in some devices, it is more superficial in its effects and primarily used for skin-level treatments. The deeper penetration of 1MHz ultrasound makes it far superior for healing injuries at their root, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery.

The mechanism behind therapeutic ultrasound is simple yet powerful. The device emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the skin via a conductive gel, allowing deep tissue penetration. These sound waves cause the fluid within cells to vibrate and energise, which in turn stimulates circulation, promotes tissue repair, and reduces pain. This vibrational energy exchange is what makes ultrasound such an effective tool for healing, as all cells in the body contain fluid and respond positively to this stimulation.  Although a lot is happening under the surface of the skin, nothing can be felt on the skin surface, and the sound waves themselves, can't be heard or felt.

Our device features three distinct treatment settings:

Low Continuous Mode – Provides a gentle, consistent flow of ultrasound waves, ideal for surface level healing of skin conditions, such as acne, sunspots, wrinkles, rosacea, eczema, etc.

High Continuous Mode – Delivers a stronger, uninterrupted wave, which can be used for fat blasting.

Pulsed Mode – Alternates sound waves on and off at regular intervals, allowing for an exchange of energy to the underlying tissues, followed by a break whereby the tissues have a chance to respond to this exchange having more powerful healing effects. Importantly, pulsed ultrasound cannot be felt – the sound waves are simply switching on and off, which is a critical feature for treating both acute and chronic conditions, reducing inflammation and pain. 

Due to its versatility, therapeutic ultrasound does not require a definitive diagnosis to be effective. The same treatment principles apply across a wide range of conditions, making it a valuable tool for at-home and clinical use.

Common conditions that benefit from ultrasound therapy include:

Bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that prevent tendon wearing over bones, leading to pain and restricted movement.

Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons, often caused by repetitive strain or overuse.

Disc Prolapse – Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves, leading to back pain, leg referral and discomfort.

Ligament Sprains – Overstretched or torn ligaments, commonly affecting ankles, knees, and wrists.

Muscle Tears & Strains – Injuries from sports, accidents, or general overuse that lead to pain and reduced function.

Meniscal Damage – Cartilage injuries within the knee, affecting movement and stability.

Arthritis – Degeneration of joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Articular Cartilage Damage – Wear and tear of cartilage, leading to joint pain and reduced mobility.

In all these cases, ultrasound helps by reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue repair, and promoting pain relief—regardless of the specific diagnosis.

To get the most effective treatment, follow this simple formula:

Use the silver treatment head of the ultrasound device as a guide.

Measure the affected area and determine how many times the treatment head would fit within that space.

Multiply this number by 2 minutes—this is the recommended treatment time.

For example, if the treatment head fits into the injured area three times, the recommended treatment duration would be 6 minutes, such as in the lower back.  A sore Achilles Tendon may only fit one treatment head in the painful area, resulting in an optimal treatment time of 2 minutes.

Our ultrasound device is incredibly easy to use. Unlike battery-operated alternatives, our unit is a corded device, ensuring consistent power and performance throughout your treatment session. Simply plug it in, apply the conductive gel, select your preferred mode, and move the treatment head in small circular motions over the affected area for the entire duration of the treatment.

There are two great advantages of having an at-home ultrasound device.  Firstly, you can use it more frequently than professional treatments allow. While clinic-based sessions are often limited by cost and availability, using your ultrasound device multiple times a day—especially in cases of severe pain and inflammation—can dramatically speed up recovery.  Secondly, the device can be used as soon as you arrive home from doing an injury.  More often than not, one has to wait to secure an appointment with their Chiro or Physio, delaying the initiation of treatment.  Treating an injury early, can also cut recovery time down dramatically.

Using the therapeutic ultrasound in between professional treatments with your chosen practitioner, can really accelerate healing to the next level.

To further amplify the healing effects of therapeutic ultrasound, Dr. Kez incorporates a powerful trio of natural creams. By applying these formulations before using the ultrasound device, the underlying tissues receive the necessary building blocks for healing, enhancing tissue repair and blood circulation, both of which are essential for effective and efficient healing.

This approach is not limited to clinical use—you can replicate this process at home for even better results. By combining the deep-penetrating effects of ultrasound with topical healing compounds, you are delivering the ultimate therapeutic boost to your body’s recovery process.

Therapeutic ultrasound is an easy-to-use, highly effective tool for pain relief, injury recovery, and overall tissue health. The 1MHz frequency ensures deep tissue penetration, making it the ideal choice for muscle, tendon, ligament, disc and joint-related conditions. With three modes—low continuous, high continuous, and pulsed—you can tailor the treatment to suit your specific needs.

By using the simple treatment duration formula, applying conductive gel, and optionally incorporating Dr. Kez’s trio of creams, you can enhance your at-home recovery in a way that professional treatments alone cannot match. The added benefit? More frequent treatments, ensuring faster relief and better healing outcomes.

Start using therapeutic ultrasound today and take control of your recovery—your body will thank you for it!