Jiménez-Sánchez C, Cordova-Alegre P, Carpallo-Porcar B, Burgos-Bragado JM, Sanjuan-Sánchez D, Brandín-de la Cruz N. Effects of transcutaneous radiofrequency diathermy versus ultrasound on latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius: A randomized crossover trial.
J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2024;
37:1049-1058. [PMID:
38427466 DOI:
10.3233/bmr-230296]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Currently, the use of radiofrequency diathermy for the treatment of neck pain is booming.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Digital Capacitive Diathermy (DCD®) on stiffness, pain, cervical range of motion, and cervical disability and to compare it with ultrasound (US) in patients with latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the upper trapezius.
METHODS
Nineteen participants with latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius were included in the assessor-masked, randomized, clinical crossover trial. Subjects were exposed to both interventions: US and DCD® and treatment effectiveness was measured by myotonometric variables, pressure pain threshold (PPT), visual analog scale (VAS), cervical side-bending flexion ranges, and the neck disability index scale (NDI).
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between US and DCD® interventions regarding changes in outcome measures. The US group achieved a statistically significant difference of 2.16 to 1.13 points (p= 0.005; r= 0.646) for the VAS. The DCD® intervention showed a statistically significant improvement of 1.11 points for the NDI at 1-week following intervention (95% CI 0.14-2.07; p= 0.27; d= 0.217).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that DCD® and US can both be considered effective modalities for the treatment of latent MTrPs, having a longer duration of action with DCD® therapy.
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