Physiotherapy
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It is commonly assumed that patients with chronic low back pain are less active than healthy individuals. There has been a recent increase in the number of studies published comparing the physical activity levels of patients with chronic low back pain and healthy individuals. ⋯ There is no conclusive evidence that patients with chronic low back pain are less active than healthy individuals. Based on a limited number of studies, there is some evidence that the distribution of activities over the course of a day is different between patients with chronic low back pain and controls.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of lidocaine phonophoresis on sensory blockade: pulsed or continuous mode of therapeutic ultrasound?
The optimisation of drug absorption through skin is of great value in modern therapy. Phonophoresis is the use of therapeutic ultrasound to increase percutaneous drug absorption. However, few studies have compared pulsed and continuous modes of therapeutic ultrasound. This study compared these two modes by investigating the effect of lidocaine phonophoresis on sensory blockade. Lidocaine is a common local anaesthetic drug that is used topically to relieve pain and also for minor surgery. ⋯ Pulsed ultrasound with topical lidocaine gel induced greater anaesthetic effect compared with continuous ultrasound with topical lidocaine gel and lidocaine application alone. The mechanical properties of pulsed ultrasound appear to be responsible for greater drug penetration.