TheraSonic Ultrasound Gel — 2 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz & 5 Liter

Professional Ultrasound Coupling Gel for Therapeutic Ultrasound, Doppler & Diagnostic Procedures

TheraSonic™ Conductive Ultrasound Gel is a water-soluble, viscous coupling medium that keeps the ultrasound transducer in constant contact with the skin.

TheraSonic is suitable for a wide range of medical ultrasound frequencies and is used for therapeutic ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, fetal Doppler monitoring, and ultrasonic cavitation procedures. The gel spreads evenly, is formulated not to stain clothing or damage compatible transducers, and is described by the manufacturer as hypoallergenic, bacteriostatic, and non-irritating.

Choose from four package sizes:

The 5-liter configuration includes an 8 oz reusable dispensing bottle for refilling treatment room supplies.

Why Ultrasound Requires Coupling Gel

Ultrasound energy does not transmit efficiently through an air gap between the transducer and skin.

A suitable ultrasound coupling gel fills microscopic gaps at the interface and allows the applicator to maintain continuous acoustic contact while moving across the treatment area.

That makes the gel an active part of the ultrasound setup—not simply a lubricant.

TheraSonic combines:

• Stable, viscous consistency

• Broad-frequency acoustic compatibility

• Smooth transducer glide

• Water-soluble cleanup

• Non-staining formulation

• Bacteriostatic formulation

• Hypoallergenic formulation

• Non-irritating formulation

• No formaldehyde according to the current manufacturer SDS

For a broader explanation of why coupling media matter, see our Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media.

What Is TheraSonic Ultrasound Gel Used For?

The manufacturer identifies TheraSonic for multiple procedures requiring a viscous ultrasound coupling medium.

TheraSonic is also supplied with certain Richmar ultrasound devices. For example, the current US 1000 3rd Edition DU1025 specification lists a 2 oz LC2828 bottle as part of the standard kit. 

When shopping for ultrasound equipment, you should compare our Richmar US 1000 and US Pro 2000 portable therapeutic ultrasound systems.

Does TheraSonic Work With 1 MHz and 3 MHz Ultrasound?

TheraSonic is not marketed for only one ultrasound frequency.

The formulation is acoustically correct across the broad range of frequencies used in medical ultrasound and states that it is compatible with ultrasound devices generally.

This makes it appropriate for use with common therapeutic ultrasound frequencies, such as 1 MHz and 3 MHz/3.3 MHz, as long as the ultrasound equipment manufacturer specifies a conventional water-soluble coupling gel.

Always follow the instructions for the ultrasound device you are using.

For equipment comparisons, browse our Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment & Combination Therapy Systems.

Which TheraSonic Size Should I Buy?

The formulations are intended to perform the same coupling job; the practical difference is how much gel you use and how often you need to refill.

2 oz — LC2828

Choose the 2 oz bottle when portability is the priority.

It is especially useful for:

• Portable therapeutic ultrasound kits

• Mobile clinicians

• Occasional home or professional treatments

• Carrying cases

• Backup treatment-room supply

The 2 oz LC2828 bottle is the size supplied with Richmar's current US 1000 kit.

Best fit:

Low consumption + maximum portability

8 oz — LS5288

The 8 oz bottle is a practical middle size for an individual user or treatment room that uses ultrasound regularly without requiring bulk storage.

Best fit:

Routine use without committing to a large bottle

16 oz — LS5266

The 16 oz bottle is better suited to treatment areas where ultrasound is used repeatedly.

It provides more gel per bottle while retaining a manageable squeeze-bottle format.

Best fit:

Regular physical therapy, chiropractic, rehabilitation or diagnostic workflow

The 16 oz version is SKU LS5266.

5 Liter / 1.3 Gallon — LS5255

For a clinic using significant quantities of ultrasound gel, the 5-liter container can reduce the need to continually replace individual bottles.

The manufacturer supplies this configuration with a reusable 8 oz dispensing bottle for treatment-room refills.

Best fit:

High-volume clinics, rehabilitation departments and multi-room ultrasound programs

TheraSonic Size Comparison

TheraSonic vs.

Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Gel

Both products are designed as professional ultrasound coupling media rather than electrical-stimulation electrode gels.

Why choose TheraSonic?

TheraSonic is particularly straightforward when

• You already use Richmar ultrasound equipment.

• You want the same LC2828 gel supplied with Richmar portable ultrasound systems.

• You want choices from a compact 2 oz bottle to a 5 liter clinical container.

• You want a viscous water-soluble ultrasound medium without moving into electrode gels or pastes.

Aquasonic 100 is a strong alternative when a facility is specifically standardized on Parker ultrasound products or needs the characteristics listed in Parker's current labeling, including its paraben-free formulation.

This is a product-selection comparison, not a claim that one formula produces superior clinical outcomes.

TheraSonic vs. Electrode Gel: They Are Not the Same Product

“Conductive gel” can be confusing because both ultrasound and electrical-stimulation products may use that phrase.

The energy being transmitted is different.

Our SignaGel vs. Electrode Gel guide explains these electrical contact media in more detail.

Use ultrasound gel for ultrasound procedures. Use an electrode contact medium when the electrical device or electrode manufacturer specifies one.

Do not assume that every medical gel is interchangeable.

Why Is TheraSonic Viscous?

TheraSonic is recommended for procedures in which a viscous gel is required. 

Viscosity helps the gel:

• Remain between the transducer and skin

• Maintain a continuous wet coupling layer

• Reduce rapid runoff

• Provide smooth glide during applicator movement

• Remain practical on curved or vertical treatment surfaces

A very thin liquid may run away from the treatment area, while an overly adhesive medium can interfere with comfortable transducer movement.

TheraSonic is formulated specifically as an ultrasound contact medium rather than a general-purpose skin lubricant.

TheraSonic Ingredients

The current Safety Data Sheet lists the TheraSonic formulation as a water-soluble ultrasound transmission medium containing:

The SDS additionally identifies the product as the following:

• Water-soluble

• Hypoallergenic

• Bacteriostatic

• Non-irritating

• Formaldehyde-free

• For external use only

It specifically states not to use TheraSonic with defibrillators.

Ingredient-sensitive users should review the current package labeling or SDS before use because formulations and regulatory documentation can change.

Is TheraSonic Clear or Blue?

TheraSonic is a blue ultrasound gel.

The current Safety Data Sheet lists FD&C Blue #1 among the ingredients. 

If a facility specifically requires a color-free ultrasound medium, a clear formulation should be selected instead rather than assuming that “non-staining” means “colorless.”

Can TheraSonic Be Used With a Fetal Doppler?

Yes, the manufacturer specifically lists fetal Doppler monitoring of baby heartbeats as an application for TheraSonic.

The gel provides the acoustic interface needed between the Doppler transducer and skin.

This product-selection statement does not provide instructions for fetal monitoring. Use the Doppler only according to the device manufacturer's instructions and appropriate professional guidance.

Can TheraSonic Be Used for Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Yes.

Therapeutic ultrasound is one of the manufacturer-listed uses for TheraSonic, and the LC2828 2 oz bottle is included with at least one current Richmar portable therapeutic ultrasound configuration.

Our US Pro 2000 Ultrasound FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide explains why an adequate layer of ultrasound gel is important for maintaining coupling during a treatment.

Can TheraSonic Be Used With a Gel Warmer?

Clinics that prefer warmed ultrasound gel can pair their treatment room workflow with an appropriate ultrasound gel warmer when permitted by the gel and warmer instructions.

We offer the Chattanooga TM-1 Electric Lotion and Ultrasound Gel Warmer, a wall- or treatment-table-mounted unit intended for massage lotion and ultrasound gel.

Do not heat gel using an improvised method or exceed temperature limits established by the relevant equipment instructions.

Is TheraSonic Sterile?

Do not assume that the words “bacteriostatic” and “sterile” mean the same thing.

TheraSonic's product literature describes the standard gel as bacteriostatic, but the product information reviewed here does not identify these standard multi-use bottles as sterile.

That distinction matters.

The CDC currently recommends single-use ultrasound gel explicitly labeled "sterile" for percutaneous procedures, procedures involving non-intact skin, and other situations requiring sterility. A bacteriostatic claim by itself should not be interpreted as a sterile claim. 

Practical purchasing rule

Routine external ultrasound on intact skin: a standard non-sterile coupling gel may be used if allowed by the device, facility, and procedure protocol.

Percutaneous, invasive, or sterile procedure: select a single-use product specifically labeled "sterile."

Follow current infection-control policy and procedure-specific instructions.

5-Liter Ultrasound Gel: Clinic Refill Best Practices

Bulk gel is useful because it lowers packaging volume and keeps a clinic from continually opening new retail-size bottles, but refill practices matter.

CDC guidance for non-sterile multi-use ultrasound gel advises facilities to

• Keep containers closed when not in use.

• Avoid contact between the dispensing tip and patients, instruments, or transducers.

• Follow facility infection-control procedures.

• Remove residual gel from the patient's skin after examination.

• Use sterile single-use gel when the procedure requires sterility.

The 5-liter TheraSonic configuration includes an 8 oz reusable bottle. Your facility's current infection-control policy should determine whether and how reusable dispensers are filled and maintained.

How to Use Ultrasound Gel

Always follow the ultrasound device instructions first.

For conventional external ultrasound on intact skin, the general workflow is:

1. Prepare the treatment or scanning area according to the equipment instructions.

2. Apply enough ultrasound gel to establish continuous contact.

3. Place the transducer into the gel rather than onto dry skin.

4. Maintain full transducer contact throughout the procedure.

5. Add gel if the coupling layer becomes inadequate.

6. Remove residual gel after the procedure.

7. Clean and disinfect the transducer according to its manufacturer's instructions.

For therapeutic ultrasound, always follow the instructions for treatment-head movement, intensity, duty cycle, frequency, and treatment duration, even when using gel.

TheraSonic Product Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TheraSonic ultrasound gel?

TheraSonic is a water-soluble viscous coupling gel used to create an acoustic interface between an ultrasound transducer and the body. It is intended for medical ultrasound applications, including therapeutic ultrasound and Doppler procedures.

Who makes TheraSonic?

Compass Health Brands, and TheraSonic is also listed within the Richmar product portfolio. 

Is TheraSonic the same as Aquasonic 100?

No. They are competing ultrasound-gel products from different manufacturers.

TheraSonic is associated with Compass Health Brands/Richmar, while Aquasonic 100 is manufactured by Parker Laboratories.

Both are viscous water-soluble ultrasound coupling media intended for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound.

Is TheraSonic conductive gel good for TENS?

TheraSonic is specifically an ultrasound coupling gel.

For TENS, NMES, or carbon-rubber electrodes that require separate conductive gel, use a product designed for electrical contact, such as Spectra 360 Electrode Gel, when compatible with your device.

Can TheraSonic be used for ultrasound cavitation?

Compass Health Brands lists ultrasonic cavitation among TheraSonic's product applications. Confirm that your specific equipment manufacturer permits a conventional medical ultrasound coupling gel.

Does TheraSonic contain formaldehyde?

The current safety data sheet states no formaldehyde.

Does TheraSonic contain blue dye?

Yes. The current SDS lists FD&C Blue #1.

Is TheraSonic hypoallergenic?

Compass Health Brands describes the product as hypoallergenic, bacteriostatic, and non-irritating. Individual sensitivities are still possible, so discontinue use and follow appropriate medical guidance if irritation develops.

Will TheraSonic stain clothing?

The manufacturer describes TheraSonic as non-staining and says it will not damage compatible transducers.

Is TheraSonic water-soluble?

Yes.

That characteristic helps with cleanup from intact skin and compatible equipment surfaces after the procedure.

Which TheraSonic size is best for home ultrasound use?

The 2 oz or 8 oz bottle will usually make more sense where ultrasound is performed infrequently and portability is important.

The 2 oz bottle is especially convenient for carrying cases.

Which size is best for a physical therapy clinic?

The 16 oz bottle is a practical choice for a treatment room using ultrasound regularly.

A clinic consuming substantially more gel across several rooms should compare the 5-liter bulk container, which includes an 8 oz dispensing bottle.

Does the 5-liter TheraSonic container include a pump?

The current manufacturer description specifies a 5-liter container with an 8 oz reusable/refillable bottle. It does not describe a conventional pump as the included dispensing accessory.

Can TheraSonic be used with Richmar US Pro 2000 or US 1000?

TheraSonic is particularly relevant to Richmar portable ultrasound equipment. The current US 1000 DU1025 specification specifically includes the LC2828 2 oz TheraSonic gel in its standard accessory package. 

For current device options, see our Richmar Portable Therapeutic Ultrasound comparison.

Can I use TheraSonic on broken skin?

Do not automatically use a standard multi-use ultrasound gel on non-intact skin.

CDC guidance calls for single-use, sterile ultrasound gel for procedures involving non-intact skin and for percutaneous procedures. 

Is bacteriostatic ultrasound gel sterile?

No.

“Bacteriostatic” describes suppression of bacterial growth; it does not establish sterility. The CDC specifically cautions that products labeled bacteriostatic or containing preservatives should still be regarded as non-sterile unless they are explicitly labeled sterile.

Why Choose TheraSonic?

TheraSonic works particularly well as a purchasing choice when you need:

A dedicated ultrasound medium rather than electrical electrode gel.

Broad ultrasound-frequency compatibility instead of a gel restricted to one therapeutic frequency.

Multiple package sizes, from a portable 2 oz bottle to a 5 liter clinic refill.

Compatibility with the Richmar ultrasound ecosystem, including the same LC2828 size supplied with the current US 1000 kit.

Simple cleanup, with a water-soluble, non-staining formulation.

A viscous formula capable of maintaining a continuous gel layer during applicator movement.

Shop for additional ultrasound therapy equipment or compare our complete range of conductive gels, lotions, and contact media when your procedure requires a different type of coupling or electrical contact medium.

Product-use notice: TheraSonic is an ultrasound coupling medium, not a treatment by itself. Follow the instructions supplied with the ultrasound equipment and current facility procedures. For invasive, percutaneous or other applications requiring sterility, use a gel specifically labeled sterile rather than relying on a bacteriostatic claim.