Therapeutic ultrasound,when pain gets in the way of movement.
Therapeutic ultrasound is one possible addition to a personalised plan. Explore the US-777, understand the evidence, and discuss whether this approach fits your goals.
The ITO US-777The ITO US-777 at Alter Physio & Acupuncture. In this photograph the display reads 3 MHz, probe L, 1.30 W/cm² and duty 100%. The dose for a session is chosen individually.
Focused assessment · Clear expectations · Movement-first care
01 · An important distinction
Two ultrasound techniques. Different purposes.
The names sound similar, but the techniques do different things.
Existing service
Ultrasound-guided acupuncture
Uses real-time imaging to visualise structures beneath the skin and support accurate needle placement. It is a way to see, assess and guide treatment.
Additional treatment option
Therapeutic ultrasound
Uses high-frequency sound energy applied through a handheld treatment head. It does not produce an image. Possible benefit depends on the condition and treatment protocol.
Diagnostic ultrasound view of the Achilles tendon.
At Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Soichiro Funo, a Japanese licensed acupuncturist, offers ultrasound-guided acupuncture. Which technique fits your situation is determined by assessment.
02 · The device
US-777. Sound energy, explained.
A therapeutic ultrasound unit made by ITO CO., LTD., Japan. Adjustable settings allow treatment to be considered for different target tissues. [6]
01
Frequency · 1 MHz & 3 MHz
The manufacturer describes 1 MHz for deeper targets and 3 MHz for more superficial targets.
02
Delivery · Continuous & pulsed
Both output modes are available. The treatment dose is selected individually.
03
Treatment head · A dual-frequency probe
The L-probe supports both frequencies, with output monitoring and a probe-head temperature error alert.
04
Combined treatment · An optional combination
Electrical stimulation requires a separate compatible device and connection cable.
Technical details · Japan model
Frequency
1.0 / 3.0 MHz
Timer
1–30 minutes
Dimensions (W × D × H)
290 × 233 × 96 mm
Weight
Approximately 3 kg
Rated supply
AC 100 V · 50/60 Hz
From a specification to a care decision: device features describe what it can deliver. They cannot tell us whether a particular symptom will improve. That requires condition-specific evidence and reassessment.
The handheld treatment head, in use. These photographs show the head on the skin. They are not a result for a particular condition.
On the shoulder, with gel.
On the inside of the ankle.
On the knee.
03 · What the evidence actually says
Promising for some conditions. Not established for others.
Studies help us understand where ultrasound may — and may not — help.
Controlled clinical trial · 1999
Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder
One randomised study compared ultrasound with sham treatment. After 24 sessions over six weeks, more treated shoulders showed disappearance or substantial reduction of calcium deposits. Short-term pain and quality of life also improved; the clinical difference was no longer significant at nine months. [1]
Therapeutic ultrasound · 15/32 shoulders
47%
Sham treatment · 3/29 shoulders
10%
Outcome: calcium deposits resolved or reduced by ≥50% on radiography.
This is not the percentage of patients whose pain was cured. 61 shoulders; six weeks.
Potential short-term benefit
Knee osteoarthritis
1,315
People across 21 trials
A 2024 analysis reported reduced pain on average, with variation between studies. NICE does not recommend routine ultrasound for osteoarthritis due to insufficient evidence of benefit. [2, 3]
Not supported for routine use
Chronic non-specific low back pain
1,025
People across 10 trials
A Cochrane review found little reliable evidence of a meaningful benefit. Routine therapeutic ultrasound is not supported for this condition. [4]
No clear added benefit
Acute ankle sprains
606
People across 6 trials
A Cochrane review found no convincing improvement compared with sham ultrasound in the available trials. [5]
Studies used different devices, doses, schedules and patient populations. These results are not a clinical trial of the US-777 at Alter Physio & Acupuncture. Tissue heating alone does not prove clinical benefit, and study averages cannot predict an individual result.
04 · Our approach
Start with what matters to you.
01
Assess
Understand what limits you
Discuss symptoms, medical history, daily activities and movement goals. Check whether further medical assessment is needed.
02
Decide
Choose only what fits
Consider ultrasound, acupuncture, movement advice or collaboration with physiotherapy. Ultrasound is not automatically used.
03
Reassess
Measure what matters
Review pain and the activities you want to return to. If treatment provides no meaningful benefit, the plan changes.
05 · Book a consultation
Book with Soichiro Funo
Treatment options are discussed individually; no specific device or outcome is guaranteed.
Safety first: ultrasound is not suitable for everyone or every body area. Discuss relevant medical conditions, implanted devices and other precautions before use. It is an adjunct to care and does not replace medical diagnosis, exercise guidance or self-management.
Research & product references
1.Ebenbichler GR et al. Ultrasound Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder. N Engl J Med. 1999;340:1533–1538. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199905203402002
2.Luo Y et al. Effects of therapeutic ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2024;10:e30874. Open the study
3.National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management. NG226, 2022, recommendation 1.3.9. Read the guideline
4.Ebadi S et al. Therapeutic ultrasound for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;CD009169. Open the review
5.van den Bekerom MPJ et al. Therapeutic ultrasound for acute ankle sprains. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;CD001250. Open the review
6.ITO CO., LTD. US-777 — official product information. Device specifications; not clinical outcome evidence. View the manufacturer’s page (Japanese; healthcare professionals). Accessed 2 November 2026.
Selected research for patient education; this is not a systematic review or individual medical advice. Evidence and recommendations can change.
Photographs taken at Alter Physio & Acupuncture. US-777 is a product of ITO CO., LTD. No manufacturer endorsement is implied.
