[Analgesic physical therapy. Present clinical data].
Analgesic electrotherapy is now based on more consistent scientific data; the biological action of the electric current, of the electromagnetic radiations and of the mechanical vibrations is better approached. But the randomized control trials still provide contradictory results concerning the analgesic efficiency of the cryotherapy, the TENS, the pulsed electro-magnetic fields, the ultrasound and laser therapy, the shock waves; iontophoresis, short waves, microwaves, infrasound vibrations are very few investigated. The analgesic electrotherapy cannot be recommended nor prohibited; physical agents represent only therapeutic options. On the basis of the scientific data and of their personal experience, the therapists can use them. More controlled clinical investigations of higher methodological levels are still required.
Roques
C-F
CF
Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, CHU de Toulouse, hôpital Rangueil, 1, avenue du Professeur-Poulhès, 31403 Toulouse 4, France. christian-francois.roques@wanadoo.fr
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014465:Ultrasonics