Experimental Study on Static Ultrasound [High-Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound] Application: Potential Adverse Effects on Rats

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To investigate the probable tissue damage after the application of static ultrasound in the intensities, durations, and session numbers identical to the originally defined high-power pain threshold ultrasound technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of myofascial trigger points.

Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were used in a controlled single-blinded experimental model. The animals were assigned into three groups and underwent the static ultrasound applications in intensities ranging from 0.5 watt/cm² to 1.5 watt/cm². Muscle, peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and bone tissue were pathologically assessed for the signs of any possible damage. Blood samples were analyzed for abnormal creatine kinase level.

Results: Creatine kinase levels were normal in all the cases. Pathological analyses of the tissue samples taken from the nerve, muscle, spinal cord, and bone tissues revealed no abnormal findings.

Conclusion: The static ultrasound technique applied in identical intensities and durations to the high-power pain threshold ultrasound technique used in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in an original experimental model did not lead to tissue damage.

KEYWORDS. :

• High-power pain threshold ultrasound
• trigger points
• adverse effects