Background

The selection of ultrasound application parameters and therapeutic ultrasound intensity is based on the desired effect and the location and density of the tissue to be treated. These decisions are best made by the physician and the therapist experienced in performing therapeutic ultrasound.
Common indications for high frequency ultrasound therapy include treatment of tendon injuries and short-term pain relief. (1-3) Ultrasound has also been shown to promote healing of some acute bone fractures, venous and pressure ulcers, and surgical incisions (1,4-6). However, conventional therapeutic ultrasound can cause burns or endothelial damage if applied incorrectly (1,7,8).

Recently, low frequency ultrasound was tested and introduced to the market. The motivation of looking for alternative ultrasound parameters was due to the fact that application of high-frequency US in clinical medicine is limited due to tissue heating. Thus, using low-frequency US with less tissue heating, thereby acting as a “slow release” mechanism, may become the standard care in treating slow-to-heal lesions, skin ulcers and nonunion fractures. In addition it may be able to facilitate protein secretion and enzymatic reactions.