Heating target: Which statement correctly describes the target tissues for heating using therapeutic ultrasound?

• A. Only skin
• B. Bones only
• C. Tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules
• D. Nerves only

Answer: (C)

Therapeutic ultrasound warms tissue based on how much energy the tissue absorbs, which is greatest in dense, collagen-rich structures. Tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules are packed with collagen, so they absorb more ultrasound energy and heat up effectively. Heating these structures helps improve viscoelastic properties and can aid in increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness, which is why they’re the primary targets when aiming to heat deeper soft tissues.

Skin tends to be more superficial and doesn’t provide the same meaningful heating at therapeutic depths, so it isn’t the main target for the intended heating effect. Nerves aren’t heated for therapeutic gain and can pose safety concerns, so they aren’t described as the heating targets. Bones interact with ultrasound differently and aren’t the primary focus for heating in this context.