Purpose: To compare the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) versus injection of 1% lidocaine for active myofascial trigger points (MTPs) at upper trapezius muscle (UTM) objectively with elastic index analysis.
Patients and methods: A prospective, randomised, single-blinded clinical trial was done. 60 patients with active MTPs of UTM were randomised to receive either rESWT (n = 30); three rESWT sessions; one session per week; 2000 rESWT impulses per session; positive energy flux density = 0.10 mJ/mm2) or 1% lidocaine (4 ml) injection (n = 30) (three injections; one injection per week). The outcome measure was the elastic index of MTPs, visual analogue score (VAS score) of pain, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) three weeks after baseline.
Results: Both rESWT and injection of 1% lidocaine resulted in statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduced elastic index and VAS of pain of UTM and PPT significantly (P < 0.05) at three weeks after baseline. The mean differences between rESWT and injection of 1%lidocaine showed no statistically siginificance.
Conclusion: Both rESWT and 1% lidocaine injection had efficacy for active MTPs of UTM measured with elastic index, VAS of pain and PPT.