During what phase of healing should ultrasound be set to 20% - 50% output?

Ultrasound settings of 20% - 50% output are typically used during the subacute phase of healing. This phase follows the acute phase and is characterized by a transition from inflammation to tissue repair and regeneration. The tissue is beginning to stabilize but is still sensitive and may respond to treatment to promote healing.

In the subacute phase, the focus is on facilitating tissue repair without causing further damage or exacerbating inflammation. The moderate intensity settings of ultrasound help encourage healing by increasing cellular metabolism, promoting circulation, and reducing pain, while still being gentle enough to accommodate the sensitivity of tissues that are recovering from injury.

The acute phase generally requires lower intensities or pulsed modes to avoid aggravating inflammation, while chronic and recovery phases may allow for higher intensities as tissues become more resilient and capable of withstanding more robust treatment. Hence, the subacute phase is the most appropriate time for using a moderate ultrasound output.