The efficacy of phonophoresis over conventional ultrasound therapy for pain relief in patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome-a randomized control trial

AIM: To assess the comparative efficacy of phonophoresis over conventional ultrasound therapy in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE:

Reduction in muscle tenderness

Reduction of pain on opening the mouth

Improvement in mouth opening

HYPOTHESIS: There is no difference in the efficacy of phonophoresis over conventional Ultrasound therapy in patients with myofascial syndrome.

METHODOLOGY:

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized control trial

STUDY DURATION: The study is expected to get completed in 1 months

STUDY POPULATION: Indian nationals in the age group of 18-60 years

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients in age group of 18-60 years

Patients who satisfy Laskins criteria for MPDS

Patients not taking any medications /alternate therapy for MPDS

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Pregnant and lactating women, those with pacemakers, diclofenac allergy, the pain of odontogenic origin, neuralgias, neuromuscular disorders, already treated with anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and analgesic drugs, intraarticular temporomandibular joint disorders, jaw tumors, and trauma.

SAMPLE SIZE: 26

SUBJECT SELECTION: Subjects visiting the OPD of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology and satisfying the Laskins criteria for MPDS will be enrolled in the study.

The patient will be informed about the research project and a written consent will be taken if the patient agrees to be a part of the study.

Randomization method: Patients will be allotted to one of the treatment arms through a simple random sampling method

TREATMENT DETAILS: The patients will be randomly divided into two groups of 13 patients each.

Group A will be treated with Ultrasound therapy with anti-inflammatory gel for 8 sittings of 8 minutes each over trigger points , with intensity of 1-1.5 watts per cm2 in continuous mode, Group B will be treated with with Ultrasound therapy without anti-inflammatory gel for 8 sittings of 8 minutes each over trigger points , with intensity of 1-1.5 watts per cm2 in continuous mode.

EXPECTED OUTCOME: Patients being treated with Ultrasound therapy along with anti-inflammatory gel are expected to have quicker/better relief.