Radial extracorporeal shock wave versus diclofenac phonophoresis on myofascial trigger points of upper fibers of trapezius

Abstract

Patients with myofascial pain not only suffer from decreased functional status as a result of the musculoskeletal pain but, also they suffer from impaired mood and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare between the effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) and diclofenac phonophoresis (PH) on pain intensity, threshold and neck functional abilities in patients with myofascial trigger points (MTrps) of upper fibers of trapezius. Methodology: Forty five patients of both genders aged from 18- 30 years old with MTrps of upper fibers of trapezius, were assigned randomly and equally into 3 groups: Group A: consisted of 15 patients received rESWT on upper fibers of trapezius in addition to conventional physical therapy treatment. Group B: consisted of 15 patients received PH of diclofenac sodium, in addition to conventional physical therapy treatment. Group C: consisted of 15 patients received the conventional physical therapy treatment only. Results: There was no significance difference between groups pre-treatment in all measured variables; while post-treatment measured values revealed that there was significance improvement in all measured variables in shockwave group at the expense of Diclofenac PH and control groups.