To increase tissue temperature during ultrasound, which adjustment is recommended?

• A. Increase the duty cycle or use continuous mode
• B. Increase frequency only
• C. Decrease intensity
• D. Shorten treatment duration

Answer: (A)

Heating from ultrasound comes from the amount of energy delivered to the tissue over time. The average energy reaching tissue depends on how long the sound is on during each cycle (the duty cycle). Using continuous ultrasound or increasing the duty cycle increases that on-time, boosting the average energy and raising tissue temperature. Increasing frequency can affect depth and absorption but doesn’t guarantee more heating at the target area, and lowering intensity or shortening the treatment will reduce heating. So, to raise tissue temperature, choose higher duty cycle or continuous mode.