Comparing therapeutic ultrasound and sinus massage for chronic rhinosinusitis

Comparative Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound and Sinus Massage in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: a Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Foundation University Islamabad · NCT06960876

This study is testing whether therapeutic ultrasound or sinus massage can help people with chronic rhinosinusitis feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
Trial IDNCT06960876 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and sinus massage on patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Participants aged 20-60 diagnosed with CRS will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving therapeutic ultrasound, another receiving sinus massage, and a control group continuing standard medical intervention. The study will evaluate pain, sinonasal symptoms, quality of life, and nasal airflow using various measurement tools. The goal is to determine which treatment is more effective for alleviating symptoms of CRS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-60 diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis as per AAO-HNS criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with nasal polyps, facial metal implants, or other contraindications for ultrasound may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance on effective non-invasive treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant results for both therapeutic ultrasound and sinus massage in treating CRS, but this comparative approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 20-60 years
* Both gender
* Diagnosed patients of chronic rhinosinusitis referred by an ENT specialist
* According to the AAO-HNS, patients are diagnosed with CRS if they had:
* Two or more major symptoms for ≥12 weeks. Or
* one major symptom with two minor symptoms for ≥12 weeks (19) Major clinical symptoms
* Pain or pressure on the face
* Nasal congestion
* Mucopurulent rhinorrhea either anteriorly, posteriorly, or both
* Hyposmia/anosmia Minor clinical symptoms
* Headache
* Fever
* Pain in the dental area
* Halitosis
* Pain or pressure on the ear
* Cough

Exclusion Criteria:

* Nasal polyps
* Current Medical conditions in which ultrasound is contraindicated (20)
* Facial metal implants
* Face or head tumor/cyst/malignancy
* Deteriorated cognitive level
* Previous surgery on the nose
* Facial bone fracture
* Reduced heat perception
* Ischemic tissues
* Skin allergies/lesions to the face

Where this trial is running

Islamabad

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic RhinosinusitisCHRONIC RHINOSINUSITISTherapeutic ultrasoundsinus massage
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.