S Afr J Surg
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
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. ⋯ 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.