Post-Operative Management of Metal Implanted Elbow Stiffness with Pulsed Short-Wave Diathermy (SWD) and Joint Mobilization

Rubina Zulfqar; Nazia Sarfraz; Shahzadi Zulfiqar; Sundas Farooq; Mahvish Musharraf Randhawa

doi:10.29054/apmc/2021.992

Rubina Zulfqar Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad Pakistan
Nazia Sarfraz Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad Pakistan
Shahzadi Zulfiqar Clinical Psychologist, Department of psychology, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Pakistan
Sundas Farooq Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad Pakistan
Mahvish Musharraf Randhawa Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2021.992

Keywords: Short wave diathermy, Range of motion, Joint mobilization, Elbow stiffness

Abstract

Background: Stiffness of the elbow after trauma is a well-recognized disabling condition that interferes with daily activities. Restoration of joint motion in the post-traumatic stiff elbow remains difficult and poses a challenge for surgeons. Diathermy is a superb warming modality to be used in deep tissues. Mobilization preceded through warmness frequently produces larger mobility gains. Objective: To determine the effect of short-wave diathermy in pain management, elbow range of motion and disability after elbow surgery. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial (RCT). Settings: Allied hospital, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Madinah teaching hospital Faisalabad (MTH) Pakistan. Duration: The study duration was July to November 2018. Methods: A study was conducted on 30 patients that meet inclusion criteria further divided these 30 patients in two groups group A and group B. Intervention: The group A receives Mobilization with PSWD on cubital fossa with for 20 minutes and after that crushed ice applied for 30 min. Group B receives only mobilization and ice application for the same time. Outcome measure: Data was assessed through the numeric pain rating scale ROM with goniometer and function with Liverpool score of elbows. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA was applied to analyze within group variation for pain and ROM. Pre and post comparison of Liverpool scores was made using paired sample t-test. The mean age of group A and group B was 31.60±12.488, 31.666±11.926 respectively. The test results show that there was no statistical difference of elbow flexion and extension ROM in starting but at the last session difference became statistically significant (p-value= <0.05). Significant difference occur in means of pre and post elbow Liverpool score (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Pulsed shortwave diathermy with mobilization was more effective for the treatment of post-surgical elbow pain, stiffness and reduced disability as compared to mobilization alone.