Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive treatment widely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. In the early stage, LIPUS was mainly used in fresh fracture and nonunion. In recent research, the therapeutic effect of LIPUS on cartilage tissue injury, intervertebral disc degeneration and other soft tissue diseases has also been noted. Moreover, LIPUS is also used in the orthopaedic surgery such as distraction osteogenesis and spinal fusion. With research on the mechanism of LIPUS progressing, its clinical application will become more extensive. This article reviews the research and application of LIPUS in musculoskeletal diseases.