Ultrasound is a type of examination of the internal structures of the body used to obtain images in a grayscale. It is a technique that does not use ionizing radiation like X-rays and is completely painless. Depending on the structures to be studied, ultrasound is classified into different types. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is the one that studies the structures that make up the body's locomotor system.

In physiotherapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound is used to study the morphology and functional state of the body's tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves); it is also used as a complementary tool to increase the safety and effectiveness in the application of invasive physiotherapy techniques and to stimulate the recovery of motor control of the muscles in trauma and sports rehabilitation.

For the physiotherapist, ultrasound is a tool that allows for dynamic and real-time exploration and assessment of the structures, which facilitates the monitoring of recovery. Therefore, it enables the physiotherapist to make a more objective assessment of the patient.

Clinical Applications of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

• Diagnosis of Injuries: Helps identify muscle tears, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, and other soft tissue pathologies.

• Guidance for Interventional Procedures: Used to precisely guide needle placement for injections and aspirations.

• Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy: Allows for monitoring healing and the effectiveness of applied treatments, adjusting them as necessary.