The Efficacy of Instrumental Physical Therapy through Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

(1) Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a minimally invasive treatments commonly used for treating PF. Our aim is to provide a complete overview of which treatments have been compared to ESWT, with a focus on the modalities that have been used. (2) Methods: A thorough search of the literature was performed on Medline via Pubmed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) of the Cochrane Library and Physiotherapy Evidence Databases (PEDro) up to 18 November 2021. In the study were included only systematic reviews and meta-analysis in English language, published from 2010 to date. (3) Results: A total of 14 systematic reviews and meta-analysis were included in the umbrella review. A total of eight studies compared the efficacy of ESWT treatment with placebo, three studies compared ESWT with another therapy (two studies compared ESWT and corticosteroids, one study ESWT and ultrasound therapy), and three studies had more than one comparison. (4) Conclusions: When compared to placebo, ESWT demonstrated to be effective. More randomized trials with specific comparisons between different types and intensity of SW are needed to obtain more precise information on SW effectiveness.

Myths and truths on biophysics-based approach in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders

“…19,22 Physical agent modalities for musculoskeletal and TMD Physical agent modalities are adjuvant therapies fully integrated in the comprehensive rehabilitation management of MSDs aiming at improving functional recovery and relieve pain. 23 Several instrumental therapies are currently available in the current literature, including therapies based on heat, light, sound waves, and electricity, with both preclinical and clinical studies supporting the promising effects of these therapies.…”

Effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound on reducing pain intensity and functional disability in patients with plantar fasciitis: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

“…Plantar fasciitis treatment may involve non-pharmacological treatment (conservative treatment) and pharmacological treatment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids such as steroid injections and surgery ( Latt et al, 2020 ; Rhim et al, 2021 ). Conservative management consists of electrotherapeutic modalities, which include Ultrasound, TENS, shockwave therapy, manual therapy, including joint and soft tissue manipulation; therapeutic exercises, which may include stretching and strengthening exercises; and other modalities, which may include taping, night splints, ice, heat, and orthosis ( Agostini et al, 2022 ; Gautham, Nuhmani & Kachanathu, 2014 ; Rhim et al, 2021 ). It has been demonstrated that conservative treatment may alleviate 95% of symptoms in 12 to 18 months.…”

Effectiveness of combined extracorporeal shock-wave therapy and hyaluronic acid injections for patients with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy: a person-centered approach with a focus on gender differences to treatment response

“…As matter of fact this concept has led to a shift from treatments that target inflammation towards treatment options that promote regeneration [10]. One of these treatments is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), a physical therapy modality that generates three-dimensional pressure pulses, lasting microseconds and reaching peek pressures of 35-120 MPa; the effects of this intervention depend on intensity, pulse cycle and shockwave (SW) modality [11].…”