OBJECTIVE: The effects of transcutaneus electroneurostimulation (TENS) and ultrasound (US) in reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) treatment were compared in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was achieved on 30 patients treated with the diagnosis of the upper extremity RSDS in GATA, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment modalities used were TENS, contrast bathing and exercise programme for the first group including 16 patients, and pulse US on stellate ganglion, contrast bathing and exercise programme for the second group including 14 patients. The evaluations were performed before and at 3rd week following the treatment. Follow up parameters were spontaneous pain evaluation (SPE), provocative pain evaluation (PPE), the loss of mobility, muscle power and edema measurements. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the results of SPE, PPE and loss of mobility, and also significant increase in the muscle power measurement after treatment in both TENS and US groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the edema measurements after treatment in both groups. When the results of both patient groups were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in edema and mobility measurements, while there was statistically significant difference in SPE, PPE and muscle power measurement in the TENS group. CONCLUSION: At the end of this study, we concluded that sympathetic ganglion blockade with US or TENS added to the physical therapy programme would be beneficial in the treatment of RSDS, and we detected that there was more active pain relief, especially by TENS application.

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