Ultrasound effects on inflammation include which of the following?

Ultrasound effects on inflammation include which of the following?

• A. Fibroblast activity
• B. Decreased blood flow
• C. Increased edema
• D. Inhibited protein synthesis

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that therapeutic ultrasound, particularly at low intensities or in non-thermal modes, can stimulate cellular activity that drives tissue repair. Its non-thermal effects—like microstreaming and cavitation—increase cell membrane permeability and messaging that boost fibroblast function. When fibroblasts are activated, they ramp up collagen production and extracellular matrix formation, which supports the proliferative phase of healing and helps resolve inflammation by restoring tissue integrity. That’s why fibroblast activity is the best answer. Cold or decreased blood flow isn’t the typical outcome of ultrasound in this context; heating generally improves perfusion, and non-thermal effects still support healing rather than reducing blood flow. Increased edema would hinder healing, and ultrasound is more associated with promoting repair processes than inhibiting protein synthesis.

The key idea is that therapeutic ultrasound, particularly at low intensities or in non-thermal modes, can stimulate cellular activity that drives tissue repair. Its non-thermal effects—like microstreaming and cavitation—increase cell membrane permeability and messaging that boost fibroblast function. When fibroblasts are activated, they ramp up collagen production and extracellular matrix formation, which supports the proliferative phase of healing and helps resolve inflammation by restoring tissue integrity. That’s why fibroblast activity is the best answer.

Cold or decreased blood flow isn’t the typical outcome of ultrasound in this context; heating generally improves perfusion, and non-thermal effects still support healing rather than reducing blood flow. Increased edema would hinder healing, and ultrasound is more associated with promoting repair processes than inhibiting protein synthesis.