Ultrasound therapy is generally safe for most people. However, if used improperly or by a person not experience in its application, it may cause burns or unstable cavitation (collapse of gas bubbles in tissue, which may cause damage).

This type of thermotherapy or diathermy is not recommended in some instances, such as:

• Over the skull, eyes, heart, reproductive organs and bony prominences
  
  
• Over the abdomen of a pregnant woman
  
  
• Over infections or oozing wounds
  
  
• Near tumors
  
  
• Near areas of bone overgrowth, such as from Paget’s disease
  
  
• Over growing bones of children
  
  
• Near an exposed spinal cord, such as after a laminectomy
  
  
• Near pacemakers or other active implanted devices
  
  
• Near static metallic implants such as joint replacements, unless approved by the patient’s physician
  
  
• With patients whose sensation is impaired by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy