The Effects of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Function, Range of Motion, Strength and Pain in Patients with Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinosis:
A Prospective Pre-Test Post-Test Design
Paolo Sanzo
Institution:
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada
Device and producing company:
D Actor 100 Radial Shockwave Unit; Storz Medical
Introduction:
Shoulder pain is the third most common cause of musculoskeletal pain. 16-34% of the population suffers from shoulder pain with rotator cuff tendinosis (RCT) comprising a good portion of this subpopulation. Many treatments exist for RCT but few are supported by strong scientific evidence. Much needs to be learned about the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of RCT. As a result, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of ECSWT on shoulder pain, function, ROM and strength in patients with RCT.
Methods:
ROM, strength, functional status via the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), and pain was measured with the P4 Scale pre- and 3 months post-treatment. 24 subjects received 3 treatments (2000 shockwaves, 2.5 bars, 10-15 Hz, 11.5 Mp) completed over the painful site (clinical focusing) and insertion of the painful tendon (anatomical focusing). A Wilcoxen Test and dependent t-Test was used to analyze the data.
Results:
A significant improvement was found in UEFS scores (p=.0001); P4 scores (p=.0001); ROM for shoulder flexion (p=.013); abduction (p=.002); internal rotation (p=.02); and external rotation (p=.001); and strength for shoulder abduction (p=.01); and external rotation (p=.002).
Discussion:
not applicable Radial ECSWT has been reported to be an effective treatment in some trials and ineffective in others, but the evidence and efficacy remains controversial. The results add to the merit and body of literature supporting its use.
Conclusion:
Radial ECSWT is an effective treatment for patients diagnosed with RCT and is able to decrease shoulder pain, and improve shoulder function, ROM, and strength.
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