Evaluation of Efficacy of Ultrasound Therapy as an Adjuvant in Management of Myofascial Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Aims: To determine ultrasound therapy as an effective adjuvant for the management of myofascial pain involving masticatory muscles.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of oral medicine and radiology, Narayana dental college and hospital between March 2021 to November 2022.

Methodology: We included 30 patients (20 females and 10 males; age group >18 years) clinically diagnosed with Myofascial pain who were randomly assigned into two groups each comprising of 15 patients. Group A patients received ultrasound therapy along with tizanidine 2mg twice a day for 14 days while group B patients received tizanidine alone. All the patients were evaluated for maximum inter-incisal distance, tenderness of muscles of mastication on palpation, pain while chewing, and pain during mandibular movements at baseline, 7th and 14th day.

Results: A significant pain reduction and improvement in mouth opening was found in both the groups. However, patients who received both tizanidine and ultrasound therapy had greater relief compared to other group from 7th day to 14th day and the results were statistically significant.

Conclusion: No side effects were observed in Group A during or after ultrasound therapy. As it is a non-invasive therapeutic modality and offers good patient compliance, ultrasound therapy can be used as an effective therapeutic adjuvant for the management of myofascial pain.