Electro-Acupuncture versus Therapeutic Ultrasound on Coccydynia after Delivery

Authors

The Departments of Physical Therapy for Women Health*, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt and Obstetrics & Gynecology**, OM Elmasryeen Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Coccydynia is pain and inflammation of the coccyx or tailbone. Therapeutic ultrasound and electro-acupuncture are safe and effective methods for reducing chronic coccyx pain. Aim of Study: This study was conducted to determine if therapeutic ultrasound have more effect than electroacupunc-ture on coccyx pain after delivery at young female. Subjects and Methods: Thirty primi and multiparous women suffering from coccydynia were participated in this study. They were selected rondomely from the out patient clinic of gynacology and obstetric in Al-Qasr El-Einy Hospital to share in this study, their ages were ranged from 25 to 35 years old and their body mass index (BMI) were not exceed 30kg/m2. The participants were assigned into two groups of equal numbers: Group (A) received continuous ultrasound of frequency 1MHZ and intensity 1.5W/cm2 for 5 minutes/ session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks on painful area of coccyx, while group (B) received electro acupuncture for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 4weeks. Assessment of pain level in each group was done by using visual analogue scale and plasma cortisol level in the blood at the beginning of the study and at the end of the treatment course. Results: The results of this study revealed that there was statistically significant improvement in VAS and plasma cortisol level in group (A) than in group (B). Conclusion: Therapeutic ultrasound are more effective than electro-acupuncure treatment in alleviating pain in women suffering from coccydynia after delivery.

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