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Neuro desensitization of trigger points using interferential current with different amplitude modulated frequencies:
Hisham M Hussein1,2, Ahmed A Ibrahim2, Mohammad A Aloraifi3
1Department of Basic Sciences for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Medicine
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Adding interferential current (IFC) to manual therapy significantly improved pain, range of motion, and function in individuals with upper trapezius trigger points. The 4 Hz amplitude-modulated frequency (AMF) showed the best results for pain and sleep quality.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Background:
- Chronic trigger points (TrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle cause pain, limited range of motion (ROM), and functional deficits.
- Interferential current (IFC) is a modality used to manage pain and improve function.
- Different amplitude-modulated frequencies (AMFs) of IFC may yield varying therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of three different AMFs of IFC (4 Hz, 80 Hz, 130 Hz) when added to standard manual treatment for chronic upper trapezius TrPs.
- To evaluate the impact on pain intensity, cervical ROM, and functional status.
- To assess changes in average pain episodes and sleep quality.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 120 subjects with latent upper trapezius TrPs.
- Subjects were assigned to four groups: three received IFC with 4 Hz, 80 Hz, or 130 Hz AMF plus manual treatment, and one control group received manual treatment only.
- Outcomes including pain, ROM, and function were measured pre- and post-4 weeks; sleep quality and average pain episodes were assessed over 3 months.
Main Results:
- All IFC interventions resulted in statistically significant improvements in pain, ROM, and function compared to baseline (P ≤ .02).
- The 4 Hz AMF group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain and average pain episodes compared to the 80 Hz and 130 Hz groups (P ≤ .003).
- The 4 Hz AMF group showed superior outcomes in sleep quality compared to all other groups (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Combining IFC with manual techniques effectively improves pain, ROM, function, and sleep quality in patients with upper trapezius TrPs.
- The 4 Hz AMF appears to be more effective than 80 Hz and 130 Hz AMFs for reducing pain and improving sleep quality.
- IFC, particularly at 4 Hz AMF, is a valuable adjunct therapy for managing chronic upper trapezius trigger points.
