Low-Energy Versus Middle-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Treating Pes Anserine Bursitis

Abstract

Introduction: Pes anserine bursitis (PAB) is a painful status inside the knee that may interfere with functional activities. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWƬ) may treat this disorder. Objective: Comparing the effects of low- versus middle-energy ESWƬ on pain and functional activity in patients with sub-acute PAB. Materials and Methods The study was a single-blind randomized trial. Twenty-eight patients with sub-acute PAB were randomly divided into two groups and received either low or middleenergy ESWƬ for three weeks. The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), timed up and go (TUG) test, and Western Ontario and McMaster universities index (WOMAC) were evaluated before and 2 and 3 weeks after the intervention. Results: A significant improvement was observed for low-energy ESWT in terms of NPRS (P=0.001), SF-MPQ (P<0.001), WOMAC (P<0.001), and TUG (P<0.001) 3 weeks after the intervention. Also, a significant improvement was observed following middle-energy ESWT application on NPRS (P=0.003), SF-MPQ (P<0.001), WOMAC (P<0.001), and TUG (P<0.001) 3 weeks after the intervention. A similar trend was observed between study time points and for all variables in each group. The only exception was the TUG, which showed no improvement between 2 and 3 weeks after the intervention for each study group. A significant improvement was observed in the NPRS between the two groups after 2 weeks (P=0.001) and 3 weeks (P=0.006), both favoring the middle-energy ESWT application. Conclusion: Low- and middle-energy ESWT can effectively improve pain, functional activity, and mobility in patients with PAB.