Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies

Abstract

Introduction:People suffering from tendinopathies exhibit reduced mobility due to the pain caused by the movement of the tendons involved. Recently, shockwave therapy has been used as a treatment option, which is non-invasive, simpler, faster and safer.Aims:To record the intensity of the pain, the functionality of the upper and lower limbs and quality of life before treatment with shock waves, immediately after the treatment and the 4-week follow-up. Methodology:The sample consisted of 384 patients, suffering from a tendinopathy. 326 patients constituted the shockwave intervention groups and 58 patients made up the control groups. The researchers created a self-administered questionnaire (University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire) in which the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, before, immediately after the treatment and at a 4-week follow-up.Results:The pain reduction and the improvement of functionality and quality of life after shockwave treatment increased by at least two points on the five-point Likert scale both post-treatment (p<0,001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0,001) compared to post-treatment in elbow tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy.Conclusions:Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It might be first choice because of its effectiveness and safety.

Riveting hammer vibration damages mechanosensory nerve endings

“…Improvement of risk evaluation is critical for rehabilitation medicine where greatly expanding use of vibration exercise platforms and extra‐corporeal shock wave devices is occurring. While beneficial clinically, cautious application of vibration is warranted to avoid permanent nerve damage 7,47‐49 . Peripheral nerves fibers are at risk in feet contacting vibrating surfaces 50 .…”

“…Peripheral nerves fibers are at risk in feet contacting vibrating surfaces 50 . Extra‐corporeal shock wave therapy is considered safe for eliminating tendinopathy pain 49 . Animal studies show the anti‐nociceptive effect involves destruction of free nerve endings and inhibition of regeneration 48,51 .…”

Comparison of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

“…For the purposes of this research study, the self-administered questionnaire 'The University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of life Questionnaire -the UoP-PFQ' was used on a five-point Likert scale, pretreatment, post-treatment and during the 4-week follow-up as described by Dedes et al 13 , which consisted of four parts. Briefly, the first and second parts were completed by the patients of all three groups before the initiation of the therapy (pre-treatment).…”

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Can Arthroplasty be Avoided—A Brief Review of Common Interventions

“…49 In those cases, it is believed that ESWT promotes revascularization and induces the release of growth factors in the injured tissues. 50 A recent study by Algarni and Moallem explored the shortterm outcomes associated with ESWT in 21 patients. A technique used to administer ESWT requires that the affected limb be adducted and externally rotated prior to the administering 3,000-4,500 pulses from a shockwave unit at 4 hz and 26 kV.…”