Safe Use of Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound has been used effectively in medicine for more than 80 years. Therapeutic ultrasound systems and protocols are designed to produce biological effects in tissues for patient benefit.^1,2 Along with beneficial effects to targeted regions, possible adverse effects can occur in both targeted and untargeted tissue. Therefore, practitioners using these modalities must be well trained on the safe and effective use of the device, knowledgeable about possible adverse bioeffects, aware of contraindications, and diligent in performing safe therapeutic ultrasound procedures.

1. Miller DL, Smith NB, Bailey MR, Czarnota GJ, Hynynen K, Makin IR; Bioeffects Committee of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Overview of therapeutic ultrasound applications and safety considerations. J Ultrasound Med 2012; 31:623–634.

2. American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, “Biological effects of therapeutic ultrasound.” (Under Review)