Insufficient scientific evidence for efficacy of widely used electrotherapy, laser therapy, and ultrasound treatment in physiotherapy

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Abstract

The Dutch Health Council recently published a report on the efficacy of electrotherapy, laser therapy and ultrasound treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. The assessment was based on three systematic reviews, including 169 randomized clinical trials, and focused on a best-evidence synthesis. Virtually no conclusive clinically relevant effects of the three forms of physical therapy were found. Possible exceptions are electrotherapy for osteoarthrosis of the hip or knee, laser therapy for pain treatment and rheumatoid arthritis, and ultrasound treatment for epicondylitis lateralis. But even for these putative indications, further research is clearly needed before implementation in practice is justifiable. It is strongly recommended that the current widespread use of electrotherapy, laser therapy and ultrasound treatment should be reduced, preferably by self-regulation within the profession itself.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
Pages502-505
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Publication series

NameNederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
Volume144

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