Ultrasound Therapy in Des Moines, IA
At Sexton Chiropractic & Wellness we use therapeutic ultrasound to help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing. This safe, non-invasive therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to create deep, targeted effects in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules—so you can move with less pain and recover faster.
What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound is a physiotherapy modality that delivers sound waves through a small handheld transducer and a conductive gel. These sound waves create gentle deep heating and a “micromassage” effect at the cellular level, supporting circulation and tissue repair without discomfort.
Key effects
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Deep heating to increase local blood flow
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Reduced muscle spasm and joint stiffness
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Support for collagen remodeling in tendons/ligaments
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Temporary pain relief for acute and chronic conditions
Conditions Ultrasound Therapy May Help
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Tendonitis / tendinopathy (e.g., rotator cuff, Achilles)
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Muscle strains and spasms
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Ligament sprains
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Plantar fasciitis
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Bursitis
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Joint stiffness (shoulder, knee, hip, ankle)
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Post-injury soft-tissue healing support
How Your Visit Works
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Assessment – Your chiropractor evaluates your condition and determines if ultrasound is appropriate.
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Application – A small amount of gel is placed on the skin and the transducer is moved in slow circles over the target area for 5–10 minutes.
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Customized Settings – Frequency, intensity, and duty cycle (continuous or pulsed) are set to match your tissue and goals (pain relief vs. tissue healing).
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Follow-Up Care – We may pair ultrasound with gentle mobility work, specific exercises, or manual therapy to reinforce progress.
What it feels like: Most patients feel little to no sensation—sometimes mild warmth. Treatment is comfortable and quick.
Safety & Contraindications
Therapeutic ultrasound is generally safe when applied by trained clinicians. It is not used over open wounds, areas with impaired sensation, active infection, malignancy, or over the eyes, heart, reproductive organs, or growing bone plates. Please tell us if you’re pregnant or have a pacemaker or other medical implants so we can choose the safest options for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasound Therapy
Q1. Does ultrasound therapy hurt?
No. Most people feel little to nothing—sometimes mild warmth. The treatment is comfortable and non-invasive.
Q2. How long does a session take?
The ultrasound portion typically lasts 5–10 minutes and is often combined with chiropractic care or rehab exercises in the same visit.
Q3. How many sessions will I need?
Plans vary by condition and goals, but many patients notice improvement within 4–8 visits when ultrasound is combined with targeted care.
Q4. Is ultrasound therapy safe if I have a medical condition?
Often yes, but there are important exceptions. We screen for contraindications (e.g., pregnancy over certain areas, active infection, malignancy, implants) and will recommend the safest options for you.
Q5. What’s the difference between continuous and pulsed ultrasound?
Continuous mode provides more deep heating for stiffness; pulsed mode emphasizes non-thermal cellular effects that may support tissue healing. Your clinician selects the right settings for your case.