English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Supraspinatus tendinitis is the non-traumatic, inflammatory and degenerative changes of tendon. This condition is common in athletes involving repetitive overhead activities like bowling, swimming, and javelin throw etc. and even in persons involving these repetitive overhead activities at their work places. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition have a dramatic impact on physical mobility and function. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound and cryokinetics versus ultrasound and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in patients suffering from acute supraspinatus tendinitis. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics versus ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (deep fiction massage) in acute supraspinatus tendinitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It is a comparative experimental study dividing in to two groups. 60 subjects aged between 30-60 years 30 in each group. Group A: (n=30):- Treated with ultrasound therapy and cryokinetics Group B: (n=30):- Treated with ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage). Analysis was based on VAS scores and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).Treatment was given for 6 days a week for 2 weeks. The following outcome measures were measured at baseline, day 7 and day14 with 1 week follow up. VAS Score, and Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). The baseline measurements were compared to data at the end of 2nd week. RESULTS: The VAS, SPADI percentage across baseline, day 7 and day 14 follow up showed a significant improvement statistically in their mean scores within Group A and Group B (P<0.001). Statistically significant greater changes in score were found in ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in (Group B) for VAS, and SPADI as compared to ultrasound therapy and cryokinetics (Group A). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics (Group A) and ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (deep friction massage) in (Group B) are significantly effective in improving VAS, ROM and SPADI. However ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (Group B) appears to be more effective in improving shoulder function and reducing VAS and disability as compared to ultrasound therapy with cryokinetics (Group A).