Effect of adding high-power pain threshold ultrasound to vibration massage on Calf muscle tightness in knee osteoarthritis patients

Background: Calf muscles have tendency to develop trigger points that can increase pain in osteoarthritis patients. Purpose: To examine the impact of adding high-power pain threshold ultrasound to vibration massage on calf muscle tightness, pain intensity, pain threshold, and knee function in knee osteoarthritis patients. Material and Methods: 60 male and female patients diagnosed clinically by a physician as having knee osteoarthritis grades II-III participated in the study. Their ages varied from 40 to 60. The participants were randomized into three groups (A, B, C) that were equivalent in number. Group (A) was given traditional treatment. Group (B) was given traditional treatment and vibration massage. Group (C) was given traditional treatment, vibration massage, and the high-power pain threshold ultrasound. Outcome measurements were taken before and after intervention; the patients received intervention for 12 sessions, three sessions per week. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement within groups regarding calf muscle tightness, pain intensity, pain threshold, and knee function. A statistically significant difference was found between all groups, favoring group C. Conclusion: Adding high-power pain threshold ultrasound to vibration massage improved calf muscle tightness, pain intensity, pain threshold, and knee function in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. This may aid in the effective rehabilitation of these patients.