Physiotherapy Management in Sinusitis

1. Ultrasound therapy:

·       It is given over the affected sinus or at the point of pain

·       Direct contact method is used

a. Acute Sinusitis

·       Pulsed ultrasound

Duration: 5 min

Intensity: 0.5 – 0.8 W/cm2

b. Chronic sinusitis

·       Continuous mode ultrasound

Duration: 8 min

Intensity: 0.8 – 1.5 W/cm2 2.

Hot packs or hydrocollateral packs

·       It helps to improve blood supply and drainage of discharge

·       It can be placed directly over the affected area

3. SWD (short wave diathermy)

·       It is used for relieving pain and treating the wall of cavities containing air

·       The electric lines of force passes between the electrodes but does not affect the air inside the cavity as it has low dielectric constant

·       Patient technique used is crossfire method

 

Placement of electrodes

a. Frontal sinuses:

·       One electrode is placed over the lateral aspect of forehead and other electrode over the opposite cheek (1st session)

·       Opposite placement is done in the 2nd session

Duration: 8-10 min/session

b. Maxillary sinus

·       One electrode over the cheek and the other electrode over the opposite side below the angle of jaw in 1st session

·       Opposite placement in the 2nd session

c. Ethmoidal sinus

·       One electrode over the lateral aspect of forehead and other electrode over the opposite side below the angle of jaw in 1st session

·       In 2nd session opposite placement

4. Bronchial hygiene techniques

·       Breathing exercises

·       Coughing and huffing to remove and drain secretions

·       Steam inhalations

·       Humidification and nebulizers

5. Iontophoresis

·       Using of Zn rod electrode where direct current is used

6. General care

·       Proper medications

·       Maintain good health

·       Avoid wet climate

·       Use cotton in the ear while traveling

·       Mild tapping over the sinus can help to loosen secretions

7. Fascial massage