Effectiveness of Percutaneous Electrolysis in Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Supraspinatus tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Many studies support conservative treatments such as exercise, trigger point dry needling or corticosteroid injections. Otherwise, a minimally invasive approach with percutaneous electrolysis (PE) has also been used successfully in shoulder pain, although evidence about its long-term effects is scarce. The aim of this trial was to determine the effects of PE on supraspinatus tendinopathy compared with trigger point dry needling (TDN). Thirty-six patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy were randomly assigned to either a PE group (n = 18) or a TDN group (n = 18). Both groups also performed eccentric exercises. The main outcome to be measured was the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), but the shoulder range of motion (ROM) and trigger point pressure pain threshold (PPT) were also considered. A one-year follow-up was conducted. Significant differences favoring the PE group were found regarding pain at one-year follow-up (p = 0.002). The improvement achieved in the PE group was greater in the NPRS (p < 0.001), proximal PPT, middle PPT, distal PPT (all p < 0.001) and ranges of movement. PE seems to be more effective than TDN in relieving pain and improving ROM and PPT supraspinatus values in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy, both right after treatment and at one-year follow-up.

Changes in Gene Expression Associated with Collagen Regeneration and Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix after Percutaneous Electrolysis on Collagenase-Induced Achilles Tendinopathy in an Experimental Animal Model: A Pilot Study

“…Therefore, current results should be considered in the investigated scenario. Finally, the application of percutaneous electrolysis is usually ultrasound-guided [16][17][18][19][20][21]. In the current study, the technique was not ultrasound-guided, which could have influenced the results.…”

“…Percutaneous electrolysis consists of the application of a continuous (galvanic) electrical current through a filament needle in a targeted tissue, usually tendon or muscle. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that application of percutaneous electrolysis is effective for patellar [16], plantar [17], elbow [18], or supraspinatus [19,20] tendinopathies; although more clinical trials are needed.…”

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis in Dancers with Chronic Soleus Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Over the course of the study, 6 dancers dropped out. Ultimately, 30 ballet dancers (mean age 21.03 ± 2.88 years old, range [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] completed the study. e flowchart of the recruitment process is given in Figure 1.…”

“…e number of PNE applications in the different studies is varied [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. In the case of chronic muscle injury, only two interventions were performed due to the clinical experience of the authors [24].…”

“…e needle is placed in the injured soft tissue using ultrasound. is procedure has mainly been applied to treat tendinopathies [11][12][13][14][15][16], plantar fasciosis [17], whiplash syndrome [18], subacromial pain syndrome [19,20], and temporomandibular myofascial pain [21]. However, little is known regarding its effectiveness in muscle injuries.…”