The energy produces heat within the tissue. This increase in temperature causes an increase in the extensibility or “stretchiness”of structures such as ligaments, tendons, scar tissue and fibrous joint. This is helpful prior to performing range of motion exercises. In addition, heating helps to reduce pain and muscle spasm and promote the healing process.
Ultrasound has demonstrated to stimulate the production of more collagen which is the main protein component in soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. This accelerates the the proliferative phase of tissue healing, and improves the extensibility of mature collagen. This has a positive effect to on fibrous scar tissue which may form after an injury.