Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of ultrasound
therapy and upper cervical manipulative therapy as well as the combination
thereof on chronic sinusitis.
Method: Thirty participants who suffered from chronic sinusitis as indicated
by the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, participated in this study. Participants
were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group 1 received upper
cervical manipulative therapy. Group 2 received ultrasound therapy on the
frontal and maxillary sinuses and Group 3 received a combination of
ultrasound therapy on the frontal and maxillary sinuses as well as upper
cervical manipulative therapy. The study consisted of seven consultations
over a three week period, with intervention on the first six consultations and
subjective as well as objective data obtained at the first, fourth and seventh
consultations. The intervention for Group 1 consisted of motion palpation of
any restriction in the upper cervical spine. Diversified chiropractic
techniques were used by the researcher to manipulate the restricted
segment. Group 2 received ultrasound therapy on the frontal and maxillary
sinuses and Group 3 received a combination of both cervical manipulative
therapy as well as ultrasound therapy on the frontal and maxillary sinuses.
Results: The subjective data had a positive average improvement of 74.9
% for Group 1, 68.9 % for Group 2 and 73 % for Group 3. The objective data
had a positive average improvement of 34 % for Group 1, 21.9 % for Group
2 and 29.1 % for Group 3.
Conclusion: This research thus proved that ultrasound therapy and upper
cervical manipulative therapy as well as the combination thereof did benefit
participants with chronic sinusitis. Participants had to receive all six
treatments to experience a significant difference in their signs and
symptoms...