Monopolar capacitive / resistive radiofrequency 448 kHz (INDIBA®activ Therapy) in the rehabilitation treatment of ischiotibial muscle injuries, resulting from a sporting activity Arnedo F 1, Andreu A 1, Till L 1, Sendrós S 2 and Hellín S 1 1 Medical Services of Barcelona Football Club (FCB). Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. 2 INDIBA S. A. Medical Department.
Introduction Practising sporting activities at a professional level entails a significant incidence of muscle injuries. Conservative treatment methods provide acceptable functional results, but an inadequate approach can delay the athlete’s return to their activity. This leads to a need for treatment protocols that facilitate full recovery in the shortest time possible. The capacitive / resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RFM CAP/RES), INDIBA®activ Therapy is a renowned therapeutic technique used in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Working at a frequency of 448 kHz, it is based on the integration of manual therapy with deep diathermy, optimising results. The aim of this work is to analyse the efficiency, safety and risk-free nature of this technique in the recovery from muscle injuries in patients treated in the FCB rehabilitation service during the study period, comparing it with the standard treatment of patients with an identical diagnosis and basal severity. Material and Method A total of 23 patients, aged between 18 and 35 years old, were selected; active sports people with an ischiotibial muscle injury (I and II degree strain or fibrillar tear), between 2 to 7 days old and a basal VAS above 2. Those patients with neurological diseases or metabolic or systemic inflammatory diseases were excluded from the study, as well as those who had undergone a rehabilitation treatment for the same injury during the past 12 months. A treatment trial group was established and the results were compared with those following the usual service protocol. The medical assessment included the controls carried out at the beginning, during the treatment (sessions 4, 9 and 12) and at the end of the treatment. The initial examination included an ultrasound scan confirming the diagnosis as well as a functional analysis of the limb which included a mobility examination and assessment. The treatment consisted of 12 sessions, with an INDIBA®activ Prorecovery HCR 902. The number of days needed for recovery, as well as the time spent out of the sporting activity, was quantified. Results An analysis of the results was carried out according to the sporting activity. 73% of the results were qualified as good and 27% as average. There were no unsatisfactory results or withdrawals from the treatment. The ultrasound scan generally revealed a swift recovery from the injuries treated and a reduction in the oedema and hematoma. Conclusions The RFM CAP / RES 448 kHz (INDIBA®activ Therapy) has proved to be an efficient, safe and risk-free treatment for acute ischiotibial muscle injuries. It promotes rapid muscle recovery and an earlier return to the sporting activity. The ultrasound scan shows good progress and rapid recovery from injury.
XIV National Congress of the Spanish Federation of Sports Medicine. 21 – 24 November 2012, Santander (Spain).