Effects of Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Lumbar Spondylolysis

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) consists of frequencies usually ranging from 0.75- 1.5 MHz at intensities \<100mW/cm² (usually about 30mW/cm²) and usually pulsed at 1:4. The transducer head is strapped or otherwise held in place and remains stationary for treatment periods in the region of 20 minutes. Again, US medium is used for efficient sound transfer to deeper tissues. This modality was approved by the FDA in the United States in 1994 for the accelerated healing of fresh fractures and then approved by the same body in 2000 for the treatment of established non-union fractures. The studies presented to the FDA demonstrated that LIPUS had a positive effect during all three main stages of fracture healing, i.e. inflammatory, reparative and remodelling by enhancing angiogenesis, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis.

"Gentle hamstrings stretching for 15 seconds 3 times a day. Flexibility of these muscle reduces stress to the lumbar region thus enhances the spino-pelvic rhythm (lumbar motion/pelvic motion). Strengthening of abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis and internal oblique). Training of these stability muscles in the lumbar spine provides a solid foundation for the individuals to integrate them into their functional movement patterns. Exercises focusing on these muscles have been shown to significantly decrease pain and disability in people with spondylolysis. Each exercise will be performed as 3 sets of 10 repetitions on alternate days."