Domingos H Tsuji1, Roberto Awade2, Irimar Paula Posso3. 1. 1 Department of Otolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo, Brazil . 2. 2 Department of Anesthesiology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas , São Paulo, Brazil . 3. 3 Department of Anesthesiology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo, Brazil .
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Helical(®) microcoils, a new, noninvasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the main author's private clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We evaluated 20 physicians, from 2 different hospitals, who suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION: The Helical(®) microcoils were applied to the skin over the affected areas. Before and after the intervention, the physician-patients completed questionnaires and a visual analog scale. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We quantified postintervention improvement or worsening of pain and muscle tension. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pain and muscle tension were observed in 95% of the physician-patients evaluated. The only side effect reported was mild pruritus at the application site, which occurred in 5 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of Helical microcoils was found to be safe and efficacious in relieving muscle tension and pain.
BACKGROUND:Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Helical(®) microcoils, a new, noninvasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the main author's private clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We evaluated 20 physicians, from 2 different hospitals, who suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION: The Helical(®) microcoils were applied to the skin over the affected areas. Before and after the intervention, the physician-patients completed questionnaires and a visual analog scale. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We quantified postintervention improvement or worsening of pain and muscle tension. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pain and muscle tension were observed in 95% of the physician-patients evaluated. The only side effect reported was mild pruritus at the application site, which occurred in 5 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of Helical microcoils was found to be safe and efficacious in relieving muscle tension and pain.