Choosing the right ultrasound therapy machine depends on the treatments you provide, the areas you commonly treat and whether you need a fixed or more portable setup. Professional physiotherapy ultrasound machines are commonly available with 1MHz and 3MHz frequencies, allowing practitioners to work at different tissue depths, while dual-frequency systems can offer greater flexibility across a varied caseload. Features such as pulsed and continuous modes, treatment head size, portability and compatible ultrasound therapy accessories are also worth considering when comparing equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is ultrasound therapy used for?

Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to deliver energy into soft tissue, encouraging healing, improving local blood flow and easing muscle tension. It's commonly used for sprains, strains, tendon and ligament injuries, and general soft tissue recovery. Our ultrasound therapy guide covers the clinical background in more detail.

What's the difference between 1MHz and 3MHz ultrasound?

1MHz travles deeper and suits larger muscle groups or deeper tissue, while 3MHz works closer to the surface and suits smaller, more superficial areas. Dual-frequency units let a practitioner switch between the two without needing two machines.

Should I use continuous or pulsed ultrasound?

Continuous mode delivers a steady output and is typically used to generate a heating effect in tissue. Pulsed mode delivers the energy in short bursts with rest periods between, generally used where a non-thermal effect is wanted, such as in the earlier stages of healing. The right choice depends on the treatment goal and stage of injury.

What size treatment head do I need?

Smaller treatment heads (around 1 cm²) suit small or localised areas such as hands and feet, while larger heads (around 5cm²) these are the standard head supplied with nearly all machines, they cover bigger muscle groups more efficiently. Other size heads are available such as 10cm² which are great for large areas.

Many practices keep more than one size on hand to cover a full range of treatments.

When shouldn't ultrasound therapy be used?

Ultrasound should not be applied over the abdomen or lower back during pregnancy, over malignant tumours, active infection, areas of active bleeding, suspected DVT, the eyes, the brain or spinal cord, or over a pacemaker. Our full ultrasound therapy guide covers contraindications and precautions in detail.

Can I combine ultrasound with electrotherapy in one device?

Yes. Combination units, such as the Zimmer PhySys, deliver ultrasound and electrostimulation together or separately from the same machine, useful for practices that want both modalities without running two devices side by side. See the full range for companion devices.

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