What type of imaging uses ultrasound for therapeutic purposes?

Therapeutic ultrasound is specifically designed for medical procedures that use sound waves to provide treatments, rather than just for imaging. This technique employs ultrasonic energy for various therapeutic effects, such as tissue heating, facilitating tissue healing, breaking down kidney stones (lithotripsy), and even deep tissue penetration for pain relief.

In comparison, diagnostic ultrasound primarily focuses on creating images of internal body structures to assess health or detect conditions. While diagnostic procedures may inadvertently have therapeutic effects, their primary purpose remains imaging.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound involves the use of contrast agents to improve the visualization of blood flow and tissues, enhancing the effectiveness of diagnostic purposes rather than therapeutic.

Power Doppler ultrasound is a technique that measures blood flow using the Doppler effect but is also primarily utilized for diagnostic purposes, particularly in vascular imaging, without therapeutic intent.

Thus, therapeutic ultrasound is the correct choice as it directly involves the use of ultrasound technology for treatment, distinguishing it from other types focused solely on diagnostics.