Effect of Shortwave Diathermy Versus Ultrasound Waves on Increasing ROM and Decreasing Pain After Extensor Tendon Reconstruction

Effect of Shortwave Diathermy Versus Ultrasound Waves on Increasing Rom and Decreasing Pain After Extensor Tendon Reconstruction

tendon injuries can result in long-term sequelae, including chronic pain and mobility restrictions, and may warrant surgery. Ultrasound is sound with a frequency above 20,000 Hertz (Hz) and is undetectable by the human ear. Ultrasound waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by vibration of crystals within the head of the wand/probe. The sound waves that pass through the skin cause vibration of the local tissue. This can cause a deep heating locally. ultrasound can provide several benefits for treating strains, sprains, tissue healing andpain.n Shortwave diathermy is a high frequency current that is obtained by a discharging condenser through inductance of low ohmic resistance. When this high frequency current passes into the tissues, it produces heat into the tissues. PSWD heats a much larger area than ultrasound does, making it ideal to heat larger joints, such as the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. This work aims to compare between the effect of shortwave diathermy versus ultrasound waves on increasing ROM and decreasing pain after extensor tendon reconstruction. Sixty adults patients of both sex, aged from 20 to 30 years, with extensor tendon injuries participated in this study after reconstruction surgeries. They were randomly categorized into three groups of equal numbers. Group A received Pulsed shortwave diathermy and traditional physical therapy program (splinting, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises and range of motion (ROM) exercises), group B received ultrasound waves and traditional physical therapy program (splinting, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises and range of motion (ROM) exercises, while group C received only traditional physical therapy program (splinting, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises and range of motion (ROM) exercises). Pain and finger flexion range of motion will be measured before and after two months of intervention. Data and results will be statistically analyzed to give conclusions

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ranged from 20 to 30 years
2. After extensor tendon reconstruction surgeries
3. Gender: both male and female

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Photosensitivity
2. Sensory impairements
3. Intellectual disorders
4. Pregnant women