Biochemical and Physiological Events Involved in Responses to the Ultrasound Used in Physiotherapy: A Review.

Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is the ultrasound modality widely used in physical therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic injuries of various biological tissues. Its thermal and mechanical effects modify the permeability of the plasma membrane, the flow of ions and molecules and cell signaling and, in this way, promote the cascade of physiological events that culminate in the repair of injuries. This article is a review of the biochemical and physiological effects of TUS with parameters commonly used by physical therapists.