Abstract

Background: The study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of Ketonal (ketoprofenum) iontophoresis and a combination therapy involving ultrasound and electrical stimulation in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries. Materials and methods: The study involved 30 patients with symptoms of rotator cuff injuries. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in Group A received Ketonal iontophoresis. Patients in Group B received a combination therapy involving ultrasound and electrical stimulation to trigger points of the supraspinatus and other shoulder rotator muscles. Treatment efficacy was assessed by analysing changes in shoulder range of motion, supraspinatus strength, and the occurrence and intensity of pain. Results: The treatment produced significant effects in both groups. Treatment effects in Group B were somewhat better than those in Group A, with significant differences in pain resolution and improved range of active abduction. Conclusions: Ketonal iontophoresis and combination treatment are effective methods for treating the sequelae of rotator cuff injuries. The combination treatment applied directly to myofascial trigger points produced somewhat better results than Ketonal iontophoresis.

Key words:

rotator cuff, iontophoresis, ultrasound, TENS, electrical stimulation