Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction.
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.
Kruger
L R
LR
Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
van der Linden
W J
WJ
Cleaton-Jones
P E
PE
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D017288:Pain Threshold; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen