Long Duration Continuous Ultrasound with Diclofenac Sodium Enhances Recovery from Sprains and Strains

Musculoskeletal sprains and strains cause inflammation and scar tissue formation with impaired healing and tissue regeneration due to limited blood supply. Diclofenac Sodium, a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Low-intensity continuous ultrasound (LICUS) therapy provides mechanical and thermal stimuli to enhance blood flow and oxygenation, promoting tissue healing and facilitating transdermal drug delivery. This study determines the synergistic effects of low-intensity continuous ultrasound therapy and a 2.5% diclofenac sodium ultrasound gel patch in treating ankle and elbow strains and sprains.

The cohort of participants (n=8) with ankle or elbow strain or sprain with no prior treatment was selected to determine baseline range of motion (ROM, 0 - 100%), numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) pain score, and global rating of change score (GroC, -7 to +7). All participants were treated for 14 days with LICUS + 2.5% diclofenac treatment daily for 4 hours.

The participants' ROM increased from 67.5 ±12.25 % to 95 ±5.39% (28% increase, p<0.0001), and an NRS score of 7.25 ± 0.71 was significantly reduced by 2.75 ± 0.71. Treatment improved the participants' global rating of change score by 6.34 ± 0.92.

The pilot study demonstrates the synergistic effects of LICUS with diclofenac in treating ankle and elbow strains and sprains. It reduces pain and improves participants' overall quality of life, improving ROM, GRoC, and overall quality of life without adverse effects.