Influence of adding high power pain threshold ultrasound to traditional therapy on axioappendicular muscles amplitude and fatigue in mechanical neck pain randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

The high-power pain threshold ultrasound (HPPTUS) technique is one of the ultrasound modifications used to treat trigger points and is strongly recommended for patients with mechanical neck pain because this method has excellent benefits but the clinical significance of this method is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the influence of adding High power pain threshold ultrasound technique to traditional therapy on axioappendicular muscles amplitude and fatigue of patients with mechanical neck pain.

Design

Single-blind, Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Outpatient clinic.

Population

Sixty patients (19–38 years old) with mechanical neck pain participated in this study and were recruited from the outpatient clinic at the faculty of physical therapy after a referral from an orthopedist.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned by the opaque sealed envelope to two treatment groups: Group A Received High power pain threshold ultrasound (HPPTUS), traditional therapy in form of (active range of motion, stretching exercises, and postural correction exercises (PCES), whereas Group B Received traditional therapy only; therapeutic sessions were performed Twice/week for 4 weeks. The visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold, neck disability index, upper trapezius and Levator scapulae median frequency, and root mean square were used to evaluate the patients’ pre-treatment and post-treatment status.

Results

Multiple pairwise comparisons within each group revealed statistically significant differences in all outcome variables in both groups with favor to the HPPTUS group as p = 0.0001. Between group analysis at post treatment revealed statistical significant difference between both groups in all outcome variables as p = 0.0001.

Conclusion

The High-power Pain Threshold Ultrasound technique combined with traditional therapy is an effective method more than traditional therapy alone for management the patients with MNP.

Clinical rehabilitation impact

The present study has implications, especially for clinical decision-making with regard to the therapy of choice in MNP to reduce pain, improve function and muscle activity through HPPTUS technique, and its impact on normal lifestyle and highlight the need for active intervention.