[Pain modification in rheumatic diseases using different frequency applications of ultrasound]

In 150 patients with rheumatic diseases the analgesic efficacy of a 3-week therapy series (frequency of application 6 times a week) and a 6- and 9-week-therapy series (frequency of application three times and twice a week, respectively) was investigated. Criterion of evaluation is the local pain, which was determined for the duration of therapy series and the subsequent assessment over three months (once monthly). The 3-week therapy series and the 6- and 9-week-therapy series of ultrasound reached the same degree of analgesic aim. In comparison with the beginning of therapy series a significant reduction of pain continues, also 3 months after the therapy series. Concerning the curative objective the concentrated 3-week therapy series with daily application is justifiable under an economical aspect. The positive analgesic efficacy of a protracted ultrasound therapy series is beneficial from a rehabilitative view.