Sound waves vs medicated gel: which eases back pain better?

NCT ID NCT06959394

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study tested two common physical therapy treatments—therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis (ultrasound with a pain-relief gel)—against a placebo in 60 adults with chronic low back pain. All groups also received standard treatments like TENS and exercises. The goal was to see which approach better reduced pain and improved movement and daily function. Results may help guide future treatment choices.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

therapeutic ultrasound and phonophoresis (diclofenac gel)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that ultrasound or phonophoresis is a helpful, drug-free way to ease chronic low back pain and improve daily function.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 60 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the placebo group also received other treatments, making it hard to know what really helped.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • KTO Karatay University

    Konya, Konya, 42100, Turkey (Türkiye)