Ultrasound Vs Laser – The Battle of the Electrotherapies

Laser

Non-thermal and thermal effects 
Use on open wounds
Chronic pain and acute treatment
More research demonstrating efficacy
Safe to use on most populations. 

Ultrasound

Thermal and non-thermal effects
Closed wounds only
Not to be used over the eyes
Potential tissue damage if used incorrectly
Lack of research demonstrating efficacy
Should not be used on those with circulatory or neuropathic conditions, children or the elderly. 

To summarise, Laser can be used on a wider range of injuries and conditions and has fewer contraindications to treatment than ultrasound. Ultrasound poses more of a risk in terms of potential tissue damage, mostly due to the thermal effects and danger of burns. Finally, there is more scientific evidence supporting the use of laser therapy for treating soft tissue injuries.

One study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2008 (Stergioulas et al) demonstrated a significant improvement in pain levels in those with Achilles tendinopathy when laser was used in conjunction with eccentric strengthening (compared to sham laser and eccentric strengthening).

However, the lack of evidence supporting the use of ultrasound therapy may be due to the wide variation in treatment settings used among different studies which can have dramatic effects on the outcomes. Ultrasound also has a pro-inflammatory effect which may explain why studies looking into the anti-inflammatory effect have shown no effect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it appears that laser therapy has more applications in treating soft tissue injuries and also poses less risk of cell damage. Whilst many clinicians regularly use ultrasound and have seen positive results in the clinical setting, there is less research to back this up than there is with laser therapy.

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donna@gigaalaser.com