Ultrasound Imaging — The Jackson Clinics
What Is Ultrasound Imaging in Physical Therapy?
Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive way for your physical therapist to see what’s happening beneath your skin—like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
It uses sound waves (not radiation) to create real-time images, helping your therapist diagnose injuries, guide treatment, and track healing more accurately.
Unlike the kind of ultrasound used in pregnancy, this type focuses on muscles and movement, helping us figure out why something hurts or isn’t working the way it should.
Let’s Discuss:
- What Is Ultrasound Used For in Physical Therapy?
- Common Conditions We Treat With Ultrasound
- Can Physical Therapists Really Do Diagnostic Ultrasound?
- Does Ultrasound Therapy Really Work?
- Why Choose Ultrasound Imaging in Physical Therapy?
- What to Expect During Your Visit
Ultrasound Imaging Specialists:
Arlington: Dr. John van Koetsveld, PT, DPT, OCS, CCI, Cert. DN, Cert. SMT, Dip. Osteopractic®
What Is Ultrasound Used for in Physical Therapy?
Ultrasound can be used to both see inside your body and help it heal.
1) For Diagnosing and Understanding Injuries
We use ultrasound to spot things like:
- Muscle or tendon tears
- Joint swelling or fluid
- Ligament sprains
- Nerve compression
- Scar tissue or poor healing
This helps us create a treatment plan that’s truly based on your body—not just symptoms or guesswork.
2) For Retraining Muscles
Ultrasound also helps us show you how your muscles are working.
That’s great for rebuilding strength or coordination after:
- Core or back issues
- Surgery or injury
- Pregnancy and postpartum recovery
- Pelvic floor problems
With real-time feedback, you’ll be able to see progress right on the screen.
3) For Promoting Healing (Therapeutic Ultrasound)
Ultrasound isn’t just for images—it can also be used to treat pain and promote healing.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to gently warm tissues deep inside your body, helping with:
- Muscle tightness
- Joint stiffness
- Chronic inflammation
- Soft tissue recovery
It’s often used alongside hands-on therapy and movement training to help you feel better, faster.
Common Conditions We Treat with Ultrasound
You might benefit from ultrasound imaging if you have:
- Shoulder injuries or rotator cuff pain
- Tendonitis (like in your knee, ankle, or elbow)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica or nerve pain
- Post-surgical swelling or stiffness
- Chronic joint pain or instability
- Core weakness or pelvic floor dysfunction
- Low back pain
Not sure if it’s right for you? Just ask—we’re happy to explain what’s involved.
FAQs
1) Can Physical Therapists Really Do Diagnostic Ultrasound?
Yes—we’re trained for it!
Many physical therapists are specially trained to use ultrasound imaging for muscle and joint conditions.
We can assess injuries, watch how your muscles move, and even track healing—all right here in the clinic, with no need to send you elsewhere for scans.
That means less waiting, fewer referrals, and more time focusing on getting you better.
2) Does Ultrasound Therapy Really Work?
Here’s the truth: Therapeutic ultrasound has been around for decades and is well-supported by research.
It helps by:
- Increasing blood flow
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Improving tissue flexibility
- Supporting healing after injury
It’s not a cure-all, but when used with the right hands-on therapy and exercise plan, it can be a powerful part of your recovery.
3) Why Choose Ultrasound Imaging in Physical Therapy?
Smarter Treatment. Better Results.
With ultrasound, we can:
- Diagnose injuries faster and more accurately
- Give you real-time feedback as you work on movement or muscle control
- Adjust your care plan on the spot, based on what we see
- Avoid unnecessary referrals or imaging
At the end of the day, it helps us make your care more personal, precise, and effective.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Simple, Comfortable, and Quick.
- A small amount of gel is applied to your skin.
- A handheld device (called a probe) glides over the area being looked at.
- You’ll see real-time images of your muscles and tissues on screen.
- There’s no pain, no needles, and no radiation—just clear insights to guide your recovery.
Many patients find it fascinating to actually see their muscles in action, especially when working on movement or core control.
Let’s Figure Out What’s Really Going On
Ultrasound imaging helps us see exactly what your body needs—so we can treat it the right way, right away. Schedule your visit today to get started.
It’s time to take the guesswork out of your recovery.
Locations and specialists are subject to change. Please call 540-687-8181 for the most current information.
