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Evalution of Sustained Acoustic Medicine for Treating Musculoskeletal Injuries in Military and Sports Medicine


 
 Musculoskeletal injuries are common in collegiate, professional, and military personnel and require expedited recovery to reduce lost worktime. Sustained acoustic medicine (SAM) provides continuous long-duration ultrasound at 3MHz and 132mW/cm2. The treatment is frequently prescribed to treat acute and chronic soft tissue injuries and reduce pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SAM treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and accelerated recovery.
 
 
 
 An 18-question electronic survey and panel discussion was conducted on Athletic Trainers (ATs) using SAM treatment in professional, collegiate, and military sports medicine. The survey included both qualitative and quantitative questions. In addition, SAM effectiveness was discussed with expert ATs in a panel discussion. Power calculation of sampling and statistical evaluation of data was utilized for the generalizability of the results.
 
 
 
 Survey respondents (n=97) and panelists (n=142) included ATs from all National Athletic Trainers Association districts. SAM was primarily used for musculoskeletal injuries (83.9%, p<0.001) with a focus on healing tendons and ligaments (87.3%, p<0.001). SAM treatment was also used on joints (44.8%), large muscle groups (43.7%), and bone (41.4%). SAM provided clinical improvement in under 2 weeks (68.9%, p<0.001) and 50% reduction of pain medication (63%, p<0.001). In addition, patients were highly receptive to treatment (87.3%, p<0.001), and ATs had a high level of confidence for improved function and returned to work after 30-days of SAM use (81.2%, p<0.001).
 
 
 
 SAM is an effective, safe, easy to use, noninvasive, comfortable, and versatile therapeutic for healing musculoskeletal injuries.
