A Literature Review on the Use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave with Syndrome Differentiation Theory

Abstract

Objectives This report aimed to review literatures using extracorporeal shock wave with syndrome differentiation theory. Methods By March 3, 2020, five foreign electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CAJ) and six Korean medical electronic databases (KMBASE, KISTI, KISS, NDSL, DBpia, RISS) were reviewed with the key word 'extracorporeal shock wave' and 'syndrome differentiation'. We did not impose restrictions on age, gender, treatment methods, duration, results and the design of the paper. Results Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. Seven papers used extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with syndrome differentiation theory and six out of seven papers treated urologic stones using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The other five papers used extracorporeal shock wave therapy with syndrome differentiation theory and four of them treated musculoskeletal disorders. However, the data of the characteristics of extracorporeal shock wave was insufficient. Conclusions After thorough review, it is considered to be meaningful to treat urologic stones and musculoskeletal disorders using extercorporeal shock wave with syndrome differentiation theory. However, some of the literatures were limited in their feasibility and reliability in terms of research design. In addition, the data regarding the strength of the extracorporeal shock wave applied on each acupoints was insufficient. Therefore, further study on the use of extracorporeal shock wave on acupoints should be conducted.