During inflammation, ultrasound can move tissues into which healing phase?

• A. Proliferation phase
• B. Inflammatory phase
• C. Remodeling phase
• D. Degenerative phase

Answer: (A)

Therapeutic ultrasound, especially when used in pulsed, low-intensity mode, can help shift tissue healing from the inflammatory stage into the proliferative (repair) stage. In the proliferative phase, fibroblasts produce collagen, new capillaries grow (granulation tissue forms), and epithelial cells begin to cover the wound. The non-thermal effects of ultrasound—like microstreaming and gentle mechanical stimulation—can boost fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis, while improving local circulation and reducing edema. This combination supports tissue repair and progression to the proliferative phase rather than remaining in inflammation or jumping ahead to remodeling.