Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to record the perceptions and practices of Greek physiotherapists regarding the use of therapeutic ultrasound in chronic PETA. Methods: A contemporary descriptive study was conducted using an online questionnaire in order to record the perceptions and practices of Greek physiotherapists regarding the use of therapeutic ultrasound in chronic PETA. The data was managed using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: 71 physiotherapists (75.5%) who participated in the present study, stated that they use therapeutic ultrasound in the management of chronic LET. 57.7% of participants stated that they use therapeutic ultrasound by modifying the parameters according to the patient. The transmission frequency used by most (57.7%) is 1 MHz, with an application duration of 2-5 minutes (50.7%). 28.2% stated that they apply an intensity of 1 W / cm , the majority answered that the head of the ultrasound during the treatment moves along the elbow area. The point of application of therapeutic ultrasound for most (45.1%) was the area around the external epicondyle, as well as along the muscles that adhere to it (42.3%). 83.1% use the gel as an intermediate material. Regarding the mode of emission of therapeutic ultrasound, with a relatively small predominance, most (53.5%) seemed to use pulsed ultrasound, while a small percentage stated that they did not know the answer. In terms of pulse rate, there was a variety of responses: 27.3% answered a ratio of 1: 2, while a large percentage (23,6%) did not know the pulsed form of ultrasound that they use. 46.5% use therapeutic ultrasound 3 times a week. Only a few knew the ERA and BNR of the ultrasound machine that they use. Finally, regarding the appliance of the therapeutic ultrasound in combination with other means / techniques, most (39.4%) answered that they use it in combination with therapeutic exercise. Conclusion: There was a great heterogeneity in the responses regarding the clinical treatment of LET and the use of therapeutic ultrasound parameters. The sample size was small in proportion to respective surveys. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize the results to the general population of physiotherapists in Greece. A further study is proposed in order to investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound in chronic LET and to formulate the appropriate parameters. Finally, more studies of attitudes and beliefs would help to compare, improve, and adopt a common therapeutic approach to LET rehabilitation.
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