Short-wave diathermy in the clinical management of musculoskeletal disorders: a pilot observational study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of pain and functional limitation in the general population. The study aim was to evaluate shortwave diathermy (SWD) effects on pain and quality of life in people with musculoskeletal disorders. Eighty participants (31 men, mean age 56 ± 12.49 years) were enrolled, recruiting from outpatient clinics at the Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital, Padova. Inclusion criteria were pain lasting more than 15 days, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score higher than 50/100 mm, and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, neck/back pain, or tendinopathies. All participants underwent ten sessions of percutaneous SWD, 3 times/week. Each session lasted 15-20 min, with frequencies of 4 or 8 MHz and heat intensity between 40 and 60 W. Outcomes were assessed before and after treatment. Primary outcome was pain reduction, evaluated by short form McGill pain questionnaire, which includes VAS and present pain intensity (PPI). Secondary outcome was improvement in social and work-related activity limitations. Participants were grouped based on classification of pain [nociceptive and neuropathic pain (group A) vs nociceptive only (group B)]. VAS and PPI improved significantly (p < 0.01). No difference in pain reduction (VAS and PPI) emerged between the groups. Limitations due to pain in work-related and non-work-related activities decreased (p < 0.01); use of pain medications was reduced at T1 vs T0 (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that SWD is effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain in the short term, providing relief and improving quality of life.

Acute Effects of Tecar Therapy on Skin Temperature, Ankle Mobility and Hyperalgesia in Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Professional Basketball Players: A Pilot Study

“…Although no promising changes in the studied variables were obtained, it has been observed that currently, there are a wide range of standardized protocols for the application of this technique [52]. This means that it is important to highlight the difficulty of establishing the most specific protocol [8]. Although the effect of TT on latent MTPs assessed through the variables analyzed in the present study was small, it is possible that the evaluation of other parameters or the application of other parameters (protocol) could determine the effectiveness of TT on myofascial pain.…”

“…In other words, pain reduction is one of the main effects of TT, although more research is needed regarding other physiological aspects. The increase in temperature reduces pain by promoting the vasodilation of tissues affected by pain mediators, such as bradykinin, serotonin, and prostaglandin [8].…”

“…TT is characterized by its speed of action, so it is used in high performance sports [4], as this tool accelerates the recovery process [7]. Thermal changes produced by TT within the neuromuscular structure induce vasodilation, reduce muscle spasms, accelerate cellular metabolism, and increase soft tissue extensibility [8,9]. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a clinical condition characterized by localized non-articular musculoskeletal pain [10] as a consequence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) [11] located in the muscle [12][13][14].…”

The Thermal Influence of an Electromagnetic Field with a Radio Frequency Depending on the Type of Electrode Used

“…Despite there being relatively few scientific studies, work at low frequencies (<1 MHz) is used in clinical practice, with the goal of obtaining an increase in tissue temperature as well as other physiological effects. Among the electrophysical factors used in medicine, a wide range of frequencies is used, ranging from 30 kHz to 30 MHz [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The factors inducing hyperthermia include the following [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]: Long-wave diathermy—from 3 to 300 kHz (however, this is considered obsolete due to the presence of numerous practical limitations); Short-wave diathermy—from 3 to 30 MHz; Microwaves—from 300 to 3000 MHz (rarely used today).…”

“…Among the electrophysical factors used in medicine, a wide range of frequencies is used, ranging from 30 kHz to 30 MHz [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The factors inducing hyperthermia include the following [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]: Long-wave diathermy—from 3 to 300 kHz (however, this is considered obsolete due to the presence of numerous practical limitations); Short-wave diathermy—from 3 to 30 MHz; Microwaves—from 300 to 3000 MHz (rarely used today). …”