Ultrasound therapy for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Abstract

As yet, there seems to be little evidence to support the use of ultrasound therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The large majority of 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials with adequate methods did not support the existence of clinically important or statistically significant differences in favour of ultrasound therapy. Nevertheless, our findings for lateral epicondylitis may warrant further investigation.

The effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound for musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb: A literature review

“…The overall findings of the review are in agreement with other authors who have been unable to find any firm evidence that ultrasound is effective for musculoskeletal disorders. Gam and Johannsen [9] and Van der Windt [10] considered a variety of musculoskeletal disorders of the body (lateral epicondylitis, shoulder pain, rheumatic disorders and others) whereas this review was specific to the lower limb and incorporated the most current research available. It was evident from this review that more attention has been given to the production of higher quality studies in more recent years, which could be attributed to the emphasis placed by the CONSORT statement [24].…”

“…It is thought that despite evidence from laboratory studies in vitro and on animal models there is still minimal evidence to support a clinical beneficial effect; Robertson and Baker [8], Gam and Johannsen [9] and Van der Windt et al [10] were unable to find sufficient evidence from well-designed controlled studies to recommend ultrasound as an effective therapeutic intervention. Watson [11] would argue that ultrasound is effective when applied appropriately and states that to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit there is a definite 'electrotherapeutic window', commonly missed due to incorrect application and dosage selection.…”

Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Joint Mobility and Collagen Fibril Arrangement in the Endomysium of Immobilized Rat Soleus Muscle

“…Continuous ultrasound is believed to exert thermal and mechanical effects (van der Windt et al, 1999 (Lehmann et al, 1970;Warren et al, 1971Warren et al, , 1976. Usuba et al (2006) reported that stretching with infrared or ultrasound was more effective than stretching in the absence of heat in terms of increasing the ROM and decreasing the phase lag of moderately severe joint contracture.…”

“…Ultrasound is thought to exert thermal and mechanical effects on the target tissue resulting in increased local metabolism, circulation, extensibility of connective tissue and tissue regeneration (van der Windt et al, 1999). The current study assessed these effects with respect to increased extensibility of connective tissue.…”

Tensions in the toolbox—the meaning of western acupuncture for New Zealand physiotherapists

“…ter Haar, Dyson, & Oakley (1987) showed that 20% of all physiotherapy treatments in the British National Health Service departments in 1985 involved ultrasound and 54% of all private treatments. Notwithstanding, the use of ultrasound as a physiotherapeutic tool is declining as the literature and personal evidence to the effectiveness of ultrasound remains to be provided (van der Windt et al, 1999). The question that the history of ultrasound development raises is: could Western acupuncture be the physiotherapy equivalent of ultrasound in the future?…”