Which of the following treatments utilizes sound waves?

Ultrasound treatment is the correct answer because it specifically employs sound waves, which are high-frequency sound vibrations that cannot be heard by the human ear. This therapy uses these sound waves to penetrate deep into the tissue, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and facilitating the absorption of topical treatments. The mechanism of action involves sound waves producing thermal and non-thermal effects, which can enhance blood flow and tissue repair.

Interferential treatment, while it does use electrical currents, does not utilize sound waves but rather applies waveform combinations to stimulate nerves and muscles. Laser treatment operates on the principle of light wavelengths rather than sound, targeting specific tissues for various cosmetic and therapeutic effects. Vibrational treatment typically refers to mechanical vibrations and may not specifically use the principle of sound waves in a focused therapeutic sense like ultrasound does. Therefore, ultrasound treatment is distinct in its foundational use of sound waves for therapeutic benefit.