Therapeutic effect of pulsed electromagnetic field in conservative treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome

Abstract

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is a frequent cause of shoulder pain. Our purpose in this double-blinded, randomized, and controlled study was to demonstrate whether the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) provides additional benefit when used with other conservative treatment modalities in acute phase rehabilitation program of SIS. Forty-six patients with unilateral shoulder pain who had been diagnosed as having SIS were included in this trial. The cases were randomly separated into two groups. All cases received a treatment program for 3 weeks consisting of Codman's pendulum exercises and subsequent cold pack gel application on shoulders with pain 5 times a day, restriction of daily activities that require the hands to be used over the head, and meloxicam tablet 15 mg daily. One group was given PEMF; the other group was given sham PEMF daily, 25 min per session, 5 days per week for 3 weeks. Shoulder pain during rest and activity and which causes disturbance of sleep was evaluated using a visual analogue scale, and total Constant score investigated shoulder function. Daily living activities were evaluated by shoulder disability questionnaire. Results were assessed before and after treatment. When compared with the baseline values, significant improvements in all these variables were observed at the end of the treatment in both groups (p<0.05). No significant difference between treatments was observed for any of these variables (p>0.05). There is no convincing evidence that electromagnetic therapy is of additional benefit in acute phase rehabilitation program of SIS.

Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome

“…Ultrasound treatment is no more effective than placebo, no treatment, physiotherapy, or exercise therapy (Berry et al 1980, Ebenbichler et al 1999, Gam et al 1998, Kurtais Gursel et al 2004, Nykanen 1995). Electrical stimulation has not been shown to be more effective than placebo (Binder et al 1984, Dal Conte et al 1990, Aktas et al 2007). Acupuncture treatment appears to be no more effective than placebo and exercise therapy (Green et al 2005).…”

The Clinical and Sonographic Effects of Kinesiotaping and Exercise in Comparison With Manual Therapy and Exercise for Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Preliminary Trial

“…[43][44][45] Cold pack gel application on the shoulder was recommended to control pain 5 times a day, especially before and after exercises. 46,47 They were treated in the outpatient physical therapy unit once a week for 6 weeks. Each session took almost 1½ hours.…”

Subacromial impingement syndrome—effectiveness of physiotherapy and manual therapy

“…Another high-quality trial19 (n=46) compared PEMF with sham PEMF, both in combination with non-surgical treatment (ie, Codman's pendulum exercises, exercises, cold pack and meloxicam) in patients with SIS. On rest pain, the Constant scores and the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire, no significant differences between the groups were found at 3 weeks of follow-up.…”