THE USAGE PATTERN OF PHONOPHORESIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN BY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Ahlam Hassan Elkheshebi; Ahlam Salem ziat; Marwa Mohammed Al- ghawi; Yosra Mohammed Hweed; Zainab Hassan Chammech; Reem Salah Shugman

doi:10.36602/mmsj/2025.n12.04

Authors

Ahlam Hassan Elkheshebi Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1159-3476
Ahlam Salem ziat Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University
Marwa Mohammed Al- ghawi Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University
Yosra Mohammed Hweed Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University
Zainab Hassan Chammech Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University
Reem Salah Shugman Physiotherapy Department Faculty of Medical technology Tripoli University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36602/mmsj/2025.n12.04

Keywords:

Phonophoresis, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Physiotherapists, Musculoskeletal pain, Topical medications

Abstract

Phonophoresis is an acoustic therapy that delivers topical medication to the tissue via the
skin's layers. Despite the widespread use of phonophoresis in Tripoli's Hospitals, scientific
data supporting the practice is insufficient, particularly for skeletal muscle disorder. This
exploratory study aimed to determine the usage pattern of phonophoresis by Libyan
physiotherapists and their perceptions of its clinical significance in managing common
musculoskeletal pain. A cross sectional survey conducted on 121 physiotherapists during
the period November and December 2020. Data was collected using a questionnaire in
three categories: demographics, phonophoresis application patterns and pain
characteristics. The data was then analyzed using SPSS. According to the survey results all
physiotherapists participating were using phonophoresis for managing common
musculoskeletal disorders. The phonophoresis usage patterns in clinical practice among
participants were thermal TUS with an intensity of >0.8 W/cm2
, a frequency of 3
Megahertz (MHz) and voltaren gel as the most preferred topical medication. The duration
of applying phonophoresis was 5 minutes for 8-10 therapeutic sessions to control the pain.
Low back pain was a common cause of pain, characterized by constant moderate spasms.
Additionally, the physiotherapist agreed that phonophoresis has a beneficial impact over
the medium term on the treatment line, and a very good influence on treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, this study surveyed the opinions and experiences of various Libyan
physiotherapists in the usage patterns of phonophoresis to manage common
musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed an apparent pattern of medicine
administration along with pain severity, causes and types. Further researches is advised to
upgrade these clinical findings.