Effects of transcutaneous radiofrequency diathermy versus ultrasound on latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius: A randomized crossover trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez, Carolina^{a; b} | Cordova-Alegre, Paula^{a; b; *} | Carpallo-Porcar, Beatriz^{a; b} | Burgos-Bragado, Jose Manuel^{a; b} | Sanjuan-Sánchez, Daniel^a | Brandín-de la Cruz, Natalia^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad San Jorge, Zaragoza, Spain | [b] IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Paula Cordova-Alegre, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain. Tel.: +34 605245894; E-mail: [email protected].

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.

Keywords: Ultrasound therapy, diathermy, radiofrequency, myofascial trigger point, upper trapezius

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230296

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1049-1058, 2024