Conclusion:
This survey population of elderly people with long duration of joint pain found the ArthriFonÒ to be effective for joint pain relief. Almost two-thirds of joint pain cases (65.3%) reported some pain relief; that the device was well tolerated, with 60.5% continuing treatment. Consumers did not report any side effects during use of the ArthriFon®. However, patient/consumer adherence to the treatment recommendations was poor with only 57.25% of joint pain cases using the ArthriFon® as directed. Better adherence to the treatment regimen could potentially lead to better outcomes.
Consumers reported the problems they experienced using the ArthriFon® and reasons for discontinuation of use as follows: sound too loud/too much noise produced; difficult to hold the four vibraphones in position over the area of pain; uncertainty of placement of the vibraphones on inappropriate areas to achieve pain reduction; did not feel the vibration; and that the joint pain became worse in the beginning of treatment and consequently they stopped applying the device to the joint/s.
While this study is preliminary and has its limitations, the investigators believe that Vibroacoustic (Sound) therapy used locally has great potential and can become a useful tool for joint pain treatment.
The Vibroacoustic joint stimulator, ArthriFon®, reflects the investigators’ first step in making available vibration therapy to reduce pain associated with DJD. The investigators have corrected some of ArthriFon® problems identified by the patients/consumers such as making available to the patient an elastic knee support to secure the vibraphones in place over the treatment area and the development of a picture guide to identify vibraphone placement for all joints.
