Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Korea

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Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Korea


Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive therapeutic technology that uses low-energy sound waves to stimulate cellular activity. While widely known for its role in bone fracture healing, LIPUS is also being explored in Korea for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues, promising a safe and effective treatment option.


How LIPUS Works & Its Applications in Korea

LIPUS delivers mechanical pressure waves that induce biological responses at the cellular level without causing significant heat.

  • Mechanism: It creates micro-vibrations that stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and gene expression, promoting the body's natural healing processes. These effects are non-thermal.
  • Primary Application (Bone Healing):
  • Fracture Healing: LIPUS is well-established for accelerating the healing of fresh fractures and promoting healing in non-union fractures (fractures that have failed to heal).
  • Bone Regeneration: Used in dentistry (e.g., alveolar bone healing after tooth extraction) and orthopedics to enhance new bone formation.
  • Emerging Applications: Korean research and clinical practice are exploring LIPUS for:
  • Soft Tissue Repair: Including wound healing, tendon, and ligament repair.
  • Regenerative Medicine: Potential for stimulating stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering.
  • Drug Delivery: Being researched for enhancing drug penetration into difficult-to-reach areas, like hypoxic tumor microenvironments.
  • Anti-aging and Senolytic Therapy: Recent Korean research shows LIPUS may selectively stimulate senescent cells for removal, hinting at anti-aging applications.


Common Treatment & Devices

LIPUS therapy in Korea is delivered via specialized devices.

  • Application: A transducer is placed on the skin directly over the affected area.
  • Parameters: Typically involves low frequency (e.g., 1.5 MHz or 3.0 MHz) and low intensity (e.g., 20-50 mW/cm²) pulses.
  • Duration: Treatment sessions are usually short, often around 20 minutes daily.
  • Home Use Devices: Portable devices are available, allowing patients to administer therapy at home under medical guidance.


Korean Guidelines & Practice

LIPUS is recognized in Korea as a supportive therapy, particularly in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

  • Evidence-Based Use: Its application is based on clinical evidence for bone healing.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Often integrated into comprehensive treatment plans alongside other therapies.
  • Ongoing Research: Korean researchers are actively studying new applications and optimizing LIPUS parameters for various conditions, contributing to global understanding.
  • Safety: Considered a safe, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects.


Key Takeaways for LIPUS in Korea

To summarize the essential points about Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Korea:

  • Non-Invasive Therapy: Uses low-energy ultrasound waves to stimulate healing.
  • Accelerates Bone Healing: Widely used for fresh and non-union fractures.
  • Promising for Tissue Repair: Research indicates potential for soft tissue regeneration and other regenerative medicine applications.
  • Safe & Accessible: Delivered via devices in clinics and sometimes at home, with a good safety profile.

We hope this guide clarifies Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Korea. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalized advice, diagnosis, and treatment.