CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Therapeutic ultrasound
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At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateChiropractors may use therapeutic ultrasound in many states, but at least one state excludes it and others require added training.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistWithin scopeTherapeutic ultrasound is a standard physical agent within physical therapy practice.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistWithin scopeOccupational therapists may use therapeutic ultrasound as part of occupation-focused treatment, but many states set conditions first, such as added training or board approval, and at least one limits it to the shoulder, arm and hand.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerWithin scopeAthletic trainers use therapeutic ultrasound as a standard modality, within their state practice act and physician direction.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalMassage therapy laws generally exclude therapeutic ultrasound (Oklahoma bars it, and Pennsylvania excludes it as a prescription device); the exceptions we found, in Ohio and Arkansas, allow it only on a written referral or a physician's prescription.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
A probe sends sound waves into tissue to heat it or for other effects. It is not the same as ultrasound used to take images.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Across professions | Therapeutic ultrasound | |
| Across professions | Diagnostic ultrasound | Imaging; a different question of scope |
What the bodies say
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: midportion Achilles tendinopathy revision – 2024
CurrentOT, Occupational therapistOTA, Occupational therapy assistant
Physical agent, mechanical, and instrument-assisted modalities in occupational therapy practice
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Heel pain – plantar fasciitis: revision 2023
CurrentDC, ChiropractorPT, Physical therapistOT, Occupational therapist
WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: lateral ankle ligament sprains revision 2021
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Patellofemoral pain
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain
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