Ultrasound, which began as the science of navigation, had its early roots during WW2 with the use of high-frequency sonar. 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of the use of ultrasound.

Ultrasound consists of high frequency sound waves that are created by mechanical vibration of the medical treatment head of the ultrasound machine. It passes over the skin to the sight of the injury. Because sound waves weaken when they come into contact with air, a special ultrasound gel is used on the skin which ensures contact between the skin and the sound waves

Ultrasound is used extensively to treat soft tissue injuries, as it appears to reduce the healing time, and accelerates the resolution time of the inflammatory process. Ultrasound is thought to stimulate the production of more collagen - the main protein component in the soft tissue of tendons and ligaments. It can reduce pain and muscle spasm. It also improves the extensibility of mature collagen and provides beneficial results with fibrous scar tissue which may form after an injury.

A lower frequency of ultrasound has a greater depth of penetration to encompass deep tissue injuries, whereas higher frequency doses are generally used to treat injuries closer to the surface of the skin. Over the more than one half century, ultrasound has evolved into a highly sophisticated application which is non-invasive, safe, affordable, and portable.