Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound for Osteoarthritis

According to Very Well Health, ultrasound can be used to treat pain and loss of joint function due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness that can interfere with everyday activities. 

Therapeutic ultrasound is a passive therapy used in physical therapy  clinics to treat osteoarthritis. The ultrasound machine contains a crystal that produces ultrasonic waves upon receiving an electrical charge. 

These high-frequency sound waves create tiny vibrations that are able to  pass in through your skin to reach deeper tissues. These vibrations are virtually undetectable to the person receiving ultrasound treatment.  They are also too high a frequency to be heard by human ears. 

Ultrasound works to treat osteoarthritis and other soft tissue damage using either thermal or non-thermal effects. 

Ultrasound waves are able to penetrate deep tissue reaching internal  structures that other external heat sources (like a heating pad) can't  touch. 

Ultrasound can improve cellular function by making microscopic gas bubbles near your injury expand and contract rapidly, a  process called cavitation. This expansion and contraction speed up the healing process in your injured body part.

Studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound on osteoarthritis have been mixed; some studies found no benefit, and  others found some benefits.

A 2019 review of 15 studies with 1,074 patients found therapeutic ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis in the knee. The studies show it helps to relieve pain and improve the physical  function of the knee.

A 2021 meta-analysis of 14 studies including 1,080 people with knee  osteoarthritis found both pulsed and continuous ultrasound are effective and safe for pain relief and functional recovery.

Another study found that  ultrasound provided pain reduction and improved functioning and quality of  life.