The Effectiveness between Superficial Heat and Deep Heat Therapy in the Management of Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of superficial and deep heat therapy in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain on pain reduction, functional disability and lumbar flexibility.

Methods:  This is a parallel randomized clinical trial that enrolled a total of 46 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (18-60 years). They were blinded to treatment allocation and randomly divided into 2 groups, group A on ultrasound and exercise therapy, while group B on hot packs and exercise therapy. Treatment effects were measured in terms of pain, functional disability and lumbar flexion range of motion before and after intervention.

Results: The results showed that both groups had improved in pain and functional disability and lumbar range of motion. However, no statistically significant difference found between 2 groups (p>.05).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that both interventions, hot packs plus exercise therapy and ultrasound plus exercise therapy were equally effective in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain in terms of pain reduction, functional disability and lumbar flexibility improvement.