Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction
Date
1998
Authors
Kruger, L. R.
van der Linden, W. J.
Cleaton-Jones, P. E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) plus conservative therapy (ibuprofen, bite plate, self-physiotherapy) on myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) was determined. A single-blind trial as done in 10 patients with MPD with subthreshold TENS (frequency 35 Hz, pulse width 100 milliseconds, modulation 50%) compared with sham TENS at 8 visits over 14 weeks. Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale before and after TENS at each visit and the data were analysed with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. A highly significant effect was seen for time (F = 4.80, P = 0.0003) but not for TENS. Subthreshold TENS did not increase the symptom relief produced by conservative treatment with the protocol used.
Description
PK
Keywords
Myofascial Pain Syndromes/therapy, Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation, Pain Threshold
Citation
Kruger, L. R., van der Linden, W. J., Cleaton-Jones, P. E. 1998. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction. South African journal of surgery; 36(1):35-8