Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Group Research Articles

An evaluation of treatment options for lateral epicondylitis

Aim: Lateral pain in the elbow is a widespread problem in orthopedics and physiotherapy. There are different conservative treatment options available, but there is no consensus on their superiority to each other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different treatment methods applied to patients followed up with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis. Methods: The study included a total of 105 patients who were diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis between 2010 and 2016 and treated conservatively. The patients were separated into three groups according to the treatment administered. In Group 1 (n:28), 1 ml betamethasone dipropionate (Diprospan®, Schering-Plough Corp., Kenilworth, NJ, ABD) was applied with the peppering method. In Group 2 (n:28), the same peppering method was used to apply 1 ml local anesthetic (prilocaine hydrochloride, Citanest®, AstraZeneca plc., London, UK). In Group 3 (n:49), extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) treatment was performed. Data were evaluated before and at one, three, and six months after treatment. Clinical scores were evaluated according to the Quick Dash (Q-DASH, Quick disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand) scoring system and VAS (visual analog scale) scores during the daily activities of the patients. Quality of life and patient satisfaction levels were evaluated based on Quick Dash scores. Results: A significant improvement was observed in all three methods in the VAS and quality of life of the patients at one, three, and six months after treatment compared to pre-treatment values (P<0.001). A higher level of patient satisfaction was determined in Groups one and two compared to the ESWT group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Significant rates of satisfaction were determined in all three methods, and the corticosteroid treatment administered with the peppering method was not superior over local anesthetic applied with the same method. Although ESWT was beneficial, it was less effective than the other methods and cost higher.

Comparative effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, local corticosteroid injection, and conventional physiotherapy in treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis

BackgroundLateral epicondylitis (LE) is a popular overuse syndrome involving the forearm’s extensor tendons. Corticosteroid (CS) injection is the popular injection used for management of LE. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive alternative inducing the neovascularization, tendon repairing, and decreasing pain. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ESWT versus local CS injection versus conventional physiotherapy (PT) in management of chronic LE.ResultsOur results revealed that the three groups displayed a significant decrease of VAS score, decrease of PRTEE score, and increase of grip strength compared to baseline (P < 0.05) at 4 weeks and 12 weeks of follow-up. However, there was a significant decrease of VAS score in ESWT and CS groups more than PT group at 4 weeks follow-up (P < 0.05) while ESWT group displayed a considerable improvement in functional disability score (decrease in PRTEE score) more than CS and PT groups at 4 and 12 weeks of follow-up (P < 0.05), with no considerable change in HGS between the three groups.ConclusionESWT, local CS injection, and conventional PT were efficient in management of chronic LE at 12 weeks of follow-up but ESWT had a higher effect decreasing pain and improving functional disability in daily life activity at short and long term follow-up.

Comparison of efficacy of corticosteroid injection versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy on inferior trigger points in the quadratus lumborum muscle: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid trigger point injection (TPI) versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on inferior trigger points in the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle.MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 54 low back pain patients with myofascial trigger points on QL muscle were investigated. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups with A and B pockets. Patients in group A underwent radial ESWT and received 5 treatment sessions (1 per week) and actually were not followed-up. However, patients in group B received corticosteroid TPI and received one session of corticosteroid treatment and followed-up for 4 weeks after injection. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT) and short form (36) health survey (SF-36) were measured in both groups before, two weeks after and four weeks after intervention.ResultsThe between group comparison indicated that corticosteroid TPI leaded to significant higher improvements of ODI (P-value< 0.01), VAS (P value< 0.001), and PPT (P-value = 0.001) scores compared to the ESWT group at two-week follow-up time-point. ESWT group recorded significant higher improvement of ODI (P-value< 0.01) and SF-36 (P-value< 0.001) compared to the corticosteroid TPI at 4th week post treatment evaluation. At four-week follow-up time-point, the patients in the ESWT group were 1.46 times more likely to achieve 30% reduction in VAS, 2.67 times more likely to achieve 30% reduction in ODI, and 2.30 times more likely to achieve 20% improvement in SF-36 compared to the participants in corticosteroid TPI group. These results refer to large effect size for all study outcomes in ESWT group (d = 4.72, d = 1.58, d = 5.48, and d = 7.47 for ODI, PPT, SF-36, and VAS, respectively).ConclusionCorticosteroid TPI was more effective compared to ESWT in short-term controlling of pain and disability caused by myofascial pain syndrome of QL muscle. However, after 4 weeks treatment, ESWT further improved the quality of life and disability and was related with more probability of achievement the minimal clinically important difference concerning pain, disability and quality of life and large effect size for all study outcomes in treated patients compared to corticosteroid TPI.Trial registrationwww.irct.ir, IRCT20100827004641N14, retrospectively registered 2019-01-19.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with multiple drilling and intramedullary drug injection for treating early-stage Femur Head Necrosis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background:Early diagnosis and treatment of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), a refractory disease, is imperative to prevent femoral head collapse; however, the existing solutions remain controversial. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) combined with multiple drilling and intramedullary drug injection, a novel cocktail therapy, as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) model to postulate an alternative therapy for patients with early-stage ONFH.Methods:Femoral head necrosis patients aged 20 to 60 years with stage ARCO I-II were recruited. One hundred twenty eligible participants were randomized into four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio: extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with multiple drilling and intramedullary drug injection (group EMI), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group E), multiple drilling combined with intramedullary drug injection (group MI), and multiple drilling (“positive” control group; group M). The primary outcomes included effective rate, subchondral collapse rate of the femoral head, lesion size, and grade of bone marrow edema. Secondary outcomes included the Harris Hip Score and the visual analog scale. All outcomes were measured at the screening visit (baseline) and at the planned time intervals during treatment and follow-up, and the efficacy was statistically analyzed according to the intention-to-treat sub-populations and per-protocol sub-populations.Objectives:To examine the clinical efficacy of ESWT combined with multiple drilling and intramedullary drug injection to provide a safe and more effective method for treating early-stage ONFH.Trial registration number:ChiCTR1900020888; Pre-results.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Cervical Myofascial Pain Following Neck Dissection Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection in reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion (ROM).MethodsForty-six patients with cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection surgery were recruited and subdivided at random into two equal groups. The ESWT group received ESWT once a week for 4 weeks (0.25 mL/mm2, 1,000 shocks) and a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (3 times/day for 4 weeks). The control group received only topical NSAID. The pain assessment was done by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure algometry. A cervical ROM device was used for the assessment of the lateral flexion and rotation of the neck ROM on both sides. All measurements were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.ResultsThe ESWT group revealed a significant improvement in all parameters at post I and post II than did the control group (p>0.001), that revealed a statistical decrease only in the VAS score at post I without any statistical difference in the pain threshold and neck ROM. However, there were statistical differences in all parameters at post II compared to those at pre-treatment and post I (p<0.001).ConclusionAs a confirmation of the efficacy of ESWT in cervical myofascial pain control following neck dissection, we observed better results with no side effects in the ESWT group (Clinical Trial Registry No. PACTR202002648274347).

Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Improvements in Lymphedema, Quality of Life, and Fibrous Tissue in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on improving lymphedema, quality of life, and fibrous tissue in patients with stage 2 lymphedema.MethodsBreast cancer-related lymphedema patients referred to the rehabilitation center were recruited. We enrolled stage 2 lymphedema patients who had firmness of the skin at their forearm, a circumference difference of more than 2 cm between each arm, or a volume difference between upper extremities greater than 200 mL, confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. The patients were randomly divided into the ESWT group and the control group. ESWT was performed for 3 weeks (two sessions per week); both groups received complex decongestive physical therapy. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at 3 weeks after treatment. The measurements performed included visual analog scale score, volume, circumference, QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, bioelectrical impedance, and skin thickness.ResultsThe patients in both groups (n=15 in each group) completed the 3-week therapy experiment. No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics between groups. After the 3-week treatment period, improvement was noted in the circumference difference below the elbow, volume, ratio of extracellular water to total body water, and skin thickness in the ESWT group. A significant difference was found in all the above-mentioned areas except in circumference below the elbow in the ESWT group.ConclusionESWT reduced edema and skin fibrosis without significant complications. Therefore, ESWT can be used together with complex decongestive physical therapy for treating lymphedema.

Effect of neural therapy versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A randomized-controlled trial

IntroductionLateral epicondylitis is a common disease of the elbow joint. The main goal of therapy is to reduce pain and increase function. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neural therapy (NT) versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. MethodsBetween August 2018 and November 2018, 76 patients with lateral epicondylitis (26 males, 50 females; mean age: 44, 8 ± 9,5 years; range, 29–65 years) were randomly allocated to either NT or ESWT one session weekly for a total of three weeks. The subjective pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) was used to assess the functional disability before and after treatment and at 12 weeks. ResultsWhen the before and after treatment and 12 weeks variances of values were compared between ESWT and NT groups, there were no significant differences in the VAS and DHI scores between the groups(p > 0.05)(VAS score at 12 weeks (effect size = 0, 18, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0,358−1,619) or DHI score (effect size = 0, 13, 95 % CI: -7,627−4,390). However, within the groups, there were significant differences in VAS and DHI scores between before treatment and after treatment(P < 0.05), and between before treatment and at 12 weeks follow up (P < 0.05). No adverse events occured in this study. ConclusionThe results of this study show that both ESWT and NT have similar effects in reducing pain and hand function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. However neither of two the treatment modalities showed superiority.

Outcome of Corticosteroid Injections, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, and Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic heel pain with plantar fasciitis is relatively common and can affect adults of all ages regardless of an active or sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection (CSI), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) treatments in chronic plantar heel pain that has been unresponsive to other conservative treatments. We retrospectively analyzed the results of 217 patients treated with CSI (n = 73), ESWT (n = 75), and RTL (n = 69). The treatment efficacy and pain intensity, as measured using the visual analog scale, were recorded and compared at the 6-month follow-up. Pain intensity decreased significantly in all patients. However, it decreased significantly more in the CSI and RTL groups than in the ESWT group (P < .001). Age, sex, body mass index, calcaneal spur presence, and symptom duration were similar among 3 groups (P > .05). No complications were noted after the CSI, ESWT, or RTL sessions. CSI, ESWT, and RTL successfully treated chronic plantar heel pain that did not respond to other conservative treatments; however, CSI and RTL yielded better therapeutic outcomes. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for burn scar regeneration: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the regeneration effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on hypertrophic scar regeneration using objective measurements. MethodsThis was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 48 participants who had undergone autologous split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) with same artificial dermis. The ESWT group (n=25) received shock waves with low-energy flux density (0.05–0.30mJ/mm2). The interval between treatments is a 1-week. The ESWT group also received recommended treatment. The control group (n=23) only received standard treatment. We measured skin characteristics before treatment and after 6 weeks for both groups. ResultsNo significant intergroup difference was noted at the initial evaluations (p>0.05). The pre- to post-treatment change in the scar thickness (p=0.03) and erythema (p=0.03), greater reduction was found in the ESWT group than control group. The pre- to post-treatment change in the sebum level (p=0.02), more increase was found in the ESWT group. We found no significant differences in the change measurements between the two groups for melanin levels (p=0.62) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (p=0.94). The changes (skin distensibility, biological skin elasticity, gross skin elasticity, and skin viscoelasticity) measured with the Cutometer showed no significant differences between the two groups (p=0.87, p=0.32, p=0.37, and p=0.29, respectively). ConclusionThis is the first report of ESWT on hypertrophic scar after burn using objective tools (melanin, erythema, sebum, TEWL, elasticity and thickness). ESWT has objective beneficial effects on burn-associated scar characteristics.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy accelerates endochondral ossification and fracture healing in a rat femur delayed-union model

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been demonstrated to accelerate bone healing; however, the mechanism underlying ESWT-induced bone regeneration has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the effects of ESWT and the process of fracture healing. A rat model of femur delayed-union was established by cauterizing the periosteum. ESWT treatment at the fracture site was performed 2 weeks after the operation and the site was radiographically and histologically evaluated at weeks 4, 6, and 8. The bone union rate and radiographic score of the ESWT group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 8 weeks. Histological evaluation revealed enhanced endochondral ossification at the fracture site. The effects of ESWT on ATDC5 cells were examined in vitro. ESWT promoted chondrogenic differentiation without inhibiting the proliferation of ATDC5 cells. ESWT may induce significant bone healing by promoting endochondral ossification at the fracture site.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy enhances peripheral nerve remyelination and gait function in a crush model.

Conservative treatment, such as electrical stimulation and steroid injection, have been employed in an attempt to improve symptoms after peripheral nerve injury, without significant success. Although non-invasive and safe extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can be a practical alternative, the therapeutic effects of ESWT on peripheral nerve remyelination has not been established. To investigate the effects of ESWT on peripheral nerve remyelination and gait function for 5 weeks in a sciatic nerve crush model. In total, we divided 97 rats into 5 groups: group 1 - a healthy negative control group; group 2 - 3 weeks after sciatic nerve crush and 3 sessions of ESWT; group 3 - 5 weeks after crush injury with 3 sessions of ESWT; group 4 - 3 weeks after crush injury with no ESWT; and group 5 - 5 weeks after crush injury with no ESWT. The focused ESWT was applied to the unilateral sciatic nerve injury site. One session consisted of 1,500 stimuli, and the session were performed at intervals of 1 week. The degree of myelination and expression of myelin basic protein at the distal part of the injured sciatic nerve tended to increase in the ESWT groups compared with the no-ESWT groups 3 and 5 weeks after crush injury. Regarding the functional gait recovery, the print width and area of the injured leg in the ESWT groups was significantly larger than that in the no-ESWT groups 3 and 5 weeks after crush injury. The ESWT may enhance peripheral nerve remyelination and gait function in a nerve crush model. Long-term follow-up after ESWT and investigation of molecular mechanisms will be needed to confirm these therapeutic effects.

Analgesic effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

Background:Till date only a few studies have reported the efficacy and clinical improvements obtained by extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on frozen shoulder. Limited by small number of studies and insufficient outcomes, it is important and necessary to conduct a new randomized controlled trial. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether ESWT could be more effective than oral steroid in treatment of frozen shoulder.Methods:This randomized, single-blind, superiority clinical trial was approved by the institutional review board in The Third People's Hospital of Linyi. The inclusion criteria were patients aged >18 years with shoulder pain and restriction in range of motion. A symptom duration >3 months was required, with no radiographic findings on anteroposterior shoulder plain radiographs except for osteoporosis. Group 1 patients were given 30 mg of oral prednisolone daily for 2 weeks as a single morning dose and then 15 mg daily for another 2 weeks. Group 2 patients received 3 sessions of ESWT on the first, 14th, and 28th days. The primary outcome measure was shoulder pain score. The secondary outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, range of motion, satisfaction rate, and complications.Results:It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference between ESWT and control groups in improving shoulder pain and functions in frozen shoulder.Trial registration:This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5736).

Comparison between prolozone therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy in management of pain and function in resistant cases of lateral epicondylitis: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Lateral epicondylitis also known as the tennis elbow is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. The disease imparts significant disability to those affected in terms of the quantity and quality of work done.Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, RIMS, Imphal for a period of 1 year from February 2017 to January 2018. Eighty-four patients with resistant lateral epicondylitis recruited were divided into 2 groups- group A received Prolozone injection while group B underwent Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).Results: Assessments of VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and PRTEE (Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation) were done at 8 weeks and 24 weeks. The mean VAS score in Prolozone group improved from 7.22±0.89 to 4.04±1.01 at 8 weeks to 1.67±0.70 at end of 24 weeks. In ESWT group, mean VAS score improved to 3.91±0.72 at 8 weeks and reduced to 2.3±0.68 at end of 24 weeks. PRTEE improved significantly in both the groups, from 85.33±3.29 to 24.87±2.10 in Prolozone group, and from 85.17±2.83 to 41.89±3.17 in ESWT group.Conclusions: The improvement in pain and disability is better in prolozone group than ESWT (p&lt;0.05) in chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed at estimating the extent to which a combination therapy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with usual care (exercise and orthotic support) improve functional ability in the patient with plantar fasciitis when compared to usual care alone. MethodsParticipants with plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated into two groups: ESWT (n=23), and control (n=21). All participants received home exercise program with orthotic support. In addition, ESWT group received 2000 shock waves with 0.02 mJ/mm2 for three sessions. Functional outcomes were measured by function subscale of American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS-F) score and 12 minutes walking test including walking speed, cadence. The scores were recorded at baseline, third week and third month after the treatment. Analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and an intention to treat approach using multiple imputations. ResultsResults showed that there was a significant improvement in AOFAS-F total score and walking speed over three months in both groups (p<0.001, p=0.04 respectively); improvements in AOFAS-F were particularly in activity limitation (p=0.001), walking distance (p=0.02) and walking surface (p=0.02). Groups were comparable with each other for both walking speed and AOFAS-F in any assessment time (p>0.05). However, groups performed differently in cadence where there was an increase in cadence in ESWT group whereas a decline in control at the third month (p=0.07). ConclusionThe results revealed that ESWT did not have an additive benefit over usual care to improve foot function and walking performance in patient with plantar fasciitis over three months post-treatment.

The Therapeutic Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on the Rotator Cuff Lesions with Shoulder Stiffness: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Aim We wish to investigate the therapeutic potential of a single-session high-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the rotator cuff lesions with shoulder stiffness. Patients and Methods. Thirty-seven patients afflicted with rotator cuff lesions with shoulder stiffness were randomized to receive either shockwave or sham treatment based on statistical randomization. In the shockwave group, we used Orthospec™ Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy 3000 impulse 24 kV (0.32 mJ/mm2) focused at two points as one session. The sham intervention entailed the use of the device in which the silicone pad was removed from the stand-off device. The visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle power of the shoulder, Constant and Murley score (CMS), and range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder were assessed for all patients. Ten milliliters of peripheral venous blood was obtained from every participant for the measurements of markers for inflammation, tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and substance P before and at 1 week and 4 weeks after intervention. Results The ESWT group has significantly better VAS, muscle power, CMS, and ROM at 6 and 12 months after intervention. No between-group differences were observed before as well as 1 and 4 weeks after intervention in the selected biomarkers. Conclusion ESWT may be a good adjuvant for the treatment of rotator cuff lesions with shoulder stiffness.

Pain reduction realized with extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome-A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) inhibited bladder inflammation and pain in preclinical studies. We assessed ESWT for the treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled physician-initiated study enrolled 54 patients with IC/BPS. The patients were assigned to ESWT (N = 24; 2000 shocks, frequency of 3 Hz, and maximum total energy flow density 0.25 mJ/mm2 ) once a week for 4 weeks at suprapubic bladder area or placebo (N = 25; shock wave setting without energy transmission). The primary endpoint was the average changes in O'Leary-Sant symptom scores (OSS) between baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Secondary endpoints included visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10) for pain, the average changes of variables in a 3-day voiding diary, and global response assessment of patient satisfaction. At 4 weeks posttreatment, both groups were associated with a statistically significant decrease in OSS and VAS pain scale. However, there were no difference in mean change between ESWT vs placebo groups. A significantly higher proportion of patients on ESWT responded as improved in the VAS ≥ 3 vs placebo (P = .035). At 12 weeks posttreatment, improvement in the VAS ≥ 3 was 57.1% vs 19.0% (ESWT vs placebo; P = .011). The finding was associated with an improvement in frequency - 1.0 ± 2.3 vs 0.7 ± 3.2 (ESWT vs placebo; P = .065). No significant adverse events were found in either group. A reduction in pain was discovered in this trial assessing ESWT in patients with IC/BPS but OSS, which was the primary outcome parameter, was not improved.

Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy or Low-Level Laser Therapy: Which is More Effective in Bone Healing in Bisphosphonate Treatment?

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is potential side effect of long-term bisphosphonate therapy. Different treatment modalities have been used in this and investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on socket healing after tooth extraction in rats given long-term bisphosphonates. Forty male Wistar-Albino rats were used in this experimental study. About 0.1 mg/kg zoledronic acid was administered intraperitoneally to all animals 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Four groups were made which were control, LLLT, ESWT, and ESWT+LLLT. Upper right first molar teeth extraction was performed in all groups; no treatment was given to the control group after molar tooth extraction. About 810 nm wavelength GaAlAs laser was used in LLLT group. In ESWT group, 1000 pulses, 0.21 mJ/mm ESWT was applied, and the 2 treatment methods were applied to the last ESWT+LLLT group at the same time. All the 4 groups were divided into 2 subgroups according to sacrification time 4 and 8 weeks. Steorologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. The highest new bone volume was observed in the early LLLT+ESWT. New vessel volume and CD31 expression were found to be high in the LLLT group. matrixmetalloproteinaze (MMP)-2 expression was found increased by the application of LLLT and ESWT. The LLLT and ESWT have similar effect on socket healing in the early period and that co-use is more effective upon healing. The LLLT has been shown to increase CD31 expression and increase vascularization and soft-tissue healing.

The Impact of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Dry Needling Combination on Pain and Functionality in the Patients Diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and dry needling (DN) combination on pain and functionality in plantar fasciitis. Forty patients who were clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The ESWT-DN group was applied 3 sessions of ESWT to plantar fascia and DN to the trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles. The ESWT group was applied only ESWT treatment to plantar fascia. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a pressure algometer for pressure pain threshold. The functionality of the patients was evaluated with Foot Function Index (FFI). Also, maximum painless standing time and maximum painless walking distance were recorded. All assessments were repeated twice; first, pretreatment and second 1 month after the treatment. In both groups, there were statistically significant improvements in VAS, pressure pain threshold, maximum painless standing time, maximum painless walking distance, and FFI's pain, disability, and activity limitation subscales scores (p ≤ .001). In intergroup comparison; it was showed that VAS scores, maximum painless standing time (p = .002), maximum painless walking distance (p ≤ .001), and FFI pain subscale scores (p = .034) were statistically superior in the ESWT-DN group. There was no statistically difference between the groups in pressure pain threshold (p = .132), FFI disability (p = .081), and FFI activity limitation subscale (p = .226) scores. ESWT and DN combination therapy in plantar fasciitis was seen to be superior in the pain scores. Further studies with larger patients' groups and longer term results of this combination are needed for a better comparison.

Effectiveness and tolerability of focal versus radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients affected by plantar fascia enthesopathy

Plantar fascia enthesopathy is the most common cause of heel pain. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is widely used in patients affected by this condition. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and tolerability of ESWT modalities in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. We included 42 patients receiving 1 session of focused ESWT (f-ESWT group) or radial ESWT (r-ESWT group) per week for 3 weeks. Pain assessment was performed at baseline, before each session, and 1 month after the last session using brief pain inventory (BPI) severity index, and interference index (II). Tolerability was defined in terms of patient discomfort after treatment assessed by numeric rating scale at baseline and after each session. Plantar fascia changes in ultrasonography were further investigated. A significant reduction of BPI-II (P&lt;0.001) was reported in both groups, although no between-group differences were found. Plantar fascia thickness showed significant reduction only in the f- ESWT group (P=0.028). Patient’s tolerability was significantly better in the r-ESWT group (P&lt;0.05). Our study confirms that ESWT is effective for reducing pain and disability in patients affected by plantar fasciitis, although r- ESWT seems to be better tolerated.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common elbow problem. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was widely used in the treatment of LE and has been shown to relieve the pain and functional impairment (loss of grip strength) caused by tennis elbow. However, the evidence with regard to whether ESWT has better clinical efficacy over other method is not clear. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of ESWT with other techniques in the treatment of LE. Methods Literature searches of PubMed, OVID, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to 30th June, 2019. Only RCTs comparing ESWT with other methods for LE were included. Data collection and extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards. Results A total of 13 articles with 1035 patients were included. Of which, 501 underwent ESWT and 534 underwent other methods. The result of meta-analysis showed that pooled VAS (P = 0.0004) and grip strength (P < 0.00001) were better in the ESWT group. Conclusion Based on the existing clinical evidence, extracorporeal shock wave therapy can effectively relieve the pain and functional impairment (loss of grip strength) caused by tennis elbow, with better overall safety than several other methods. However, owing to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality RCTs are needed to support the trend towards better functional outcomes with ESWT.