Does Shortwave Diathermy Reduce the Intractable Spasticity of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury?

Authors

Hung-Tzu Su
Tien-Wen Chen
Ming-Cheng Weng
Chia-Ling Lee
Mao-Hsiung Huang

Translated Title

短波是否能降低脊髓損傷後痙攣？

Abstract

Spasticity is a hallmark of an upper motor neuron disorder and represents the most important impairments for individuals who care for patients with central nervous system disease. It may have an adverse effect on rehabilitation training. Shortwave diathermy is a modality that produces deep heat. It is usually used to relieve pain and stiffness, promote wound healing and relieve deep muscle spasm.In the present case, we show a 52-year-old male patient with spinal cord injury who has severe spastic hypertonia. He is disabling in motor and daily living. We have tried in vain with various physical therapy and medications. He has been receiving the shortwave therapy since April 2003. After treatment, the spasticity has been reduced. His motor recovery and functional performance have greatly improvement followed. We suggest that shortwave diathermy might become an adjunctive method for treating spasticity. Although shortwave diathermy reduced the spasticity of this patient, further study with more subjects is needed to establish its effect.

Language

English

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.6315/2005.33(2)05

First Page

97

Last Page

102

Recommended Citation

Su, Hung-Tzu; Chen, Tien-Wen; Weng, Ming-Cheng; Lee, Chia-Ling; and Huang, Mao-Hsiung (2005) "Does Shortwave Diathermy Reduce the Intractable Spasticity of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury?," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 33: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/2005.33(2)05
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol33/iss2/5