This paper presents a quantitative synthesis of the literature addressing the effectiveness of ultrasound in selected musculoskeletal conditions. Pain and range of motion appear to improve following ultrasound treatment in acute periarticular inflammatory conditions and osteoarthritis, but not in chronic periarticular inflammatory conditions. Placebo response and experimenter expectancy bias can not be ruled out as explanations for the positive results. The literature concerning the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound for pain and immobility in musculoskeletal conditions is therefore inconclusive. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to resolve this question.
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