Effect of Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy Compared with Low Level Laser Therapy on Postpartum Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trail

Sedek, Sara N.; El Kosery, Sohier M.; Darwish, Ahmed M.; Hassan, Elham S.

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2022.258452

Effect of Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy Compared with Low Level Laser Therapy on Postpartum Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trail

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2022.258452

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Sciatica is one of the most often reported symptoms that lowers social and economic efficiency and lowers quality of life.
Objective: Our objective is to evaluate the effects of ultrasound and low-level laser therapy on postpartum sciatica.
Patients and Methods: Sixty women suffering from postpartum sciatica between the ages 25 and 40 were randomly allocated to one of two equal sets. For 12 weeks, Group (A) got pulsed ultrasound therapy for 20 minutes each session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks, in addition to flexibility exercise for abdominal and back muscles. While Group (B) performed the same flexibility exercises as Group (A) but additionally got low level laser therapy for 2 minutes per point 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Both groups (A and B) were assessed before and after the treatment therapy program by evaluating hip ROM with a goniometer and pain intensity using a visual analogue scale.
Results: Our results showed that both Group (A) and Group (B) experienced significantly lower pain levels after therapy compared to before treatment (P-value 0.0001) and significantly improved hip range of motion (P-value 0.0001). When compared to Group B, Group A's hip ROM (P-value 0.001) and VAS score (P-value 0.001) significantly improved following therapy. Conclusion: Pulsed ultrasound treatment is better than low level laser to treat postpartum sciatica, with more reducing of pain intensity and enhancing hip range of motion.

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