Effect of therapeutic ultrasound versus shortwave diathermy combined with suboccipital release and manual drainage techniques for chronic sinusitis: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The repeated occurrences of sinusitis hinders patients from carrying out their daily life activities efficiently. The successful application of therapeutic ultrasound and shortwave diathermy (SWD) with the addition of suboccipital release and manual techniques could develop a new paradigm in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of therapeutic ultrasound versus SWD combined with suboccipital release and manual drainage techniques in chronic sinusitis in terms of pain intensity, tenderness, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly assigned to therapeutic ultrasound and SWD groups consisting of 23 patients each. Both groups received suboccipital release and manual drainage techniques and the outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after five sessions. Results: Compared with the baseline levels, pain intensity, tenderness, and quality of life significantly reduced in both the study groups (P Conclusion: Both therapeutic ultrasound and SWD combined with suboccipital release and manual drainage techniques improve pain intensity, tenderness, and quality of life in chronic sinusitis. However, ultrasound therapy showed quicker and better effects as compared to SWD along with suboccipital release and manual drainage techniques.