The Adjunct Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound and Phonophoresis on Pain, Function, and Flexibility in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common condition leading to disability and reduced quality of life. Current guidelines suggest a multidisciplinary approach; however, the comparative effectiveness of adjunct modalities like therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis remains uncertain. Objective: To compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis on pain, functional disability, and flexibility in patients with CLBP. Method: Sixty patients with CLBP were randomly assigned to the phonophoresis group (G1), ultrasound group (G2), or control group (G3) (n=20 each). All groups received a standard physiotherapy program including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), infrared therapy, and exercise for two weeks. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and flexibility using the Sit-and-Reach Test. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized to compare post-treatment outcomes while adjusting for age and baseline heterogeneity. Results: All groups showed significant within-group improvements in pain and disability after treatment (p