scholarly journals Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Crevenna ◽  
Michael Mickel ◽  
Othmar Schuhfried ◽  
Christina Gesslbauer ◽  
Andrej Zdravkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Patellar Tendinopathy ◽  
Physical Medicine ◽  
Physical Treatment ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave ◽  
Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation

Abstract Purpose of Review Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) is a physical treatment modality developed over the last 25 years for musculoskeletal indications. It has many indications in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and is effective, time-efficient, and cost-efficient. This review focuses on basics and on clinical indications as well as on significant trends in fESWT. Recent Findings In PM&R, stimulation of healing processes in tendons, surrounding tissue, and bones via mechanotransduction seems to be a relevant biological effect. The International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST) describes different types of indications (such as approved standard indications—in accordance with most scientific evidence—like calcifying tendinopathy of the shoulder, plantar fasciitis lateral epicondylopathy of the elbow, greater trochanter pain syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy and bone non-union, common empirically tested clinical uses, exceptional or expert indications, and experimental indications). Summary fESWT is a relevant treatment option in PM&R and regenerative medicine. In recent years, historical paradigms (for example, application in cancer patients) have changed and new indications (such as nerve regeneration, myofascial trapezius syndrome, low back pain, dermatosclerosis, and lymphedema) are supported. Future translational research should focus on establishing actual exceptional indications and experimental indications for clinical routine.

The TOPGAME-study: effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in jumping athletes with patellar tendinopathy

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 537-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Zwerver ◽  
I. van den Akker-Scheek ◽  
F. Hartgens ◽  
H. van de Worp ◽  
E. Verhagen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Tendinopathy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave ◽  
Shockwave Therapy

A Narrative Review Evaluating Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy as a Potential Regenerative Treatment for Musculoskeletal Conditions in Military Personnel

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah K Steere ◽  
Stephanie DeLuca ◽  
Joanne Borg-Stein ◽  
Gerard A Malanga ◽  
Adam S Tenforde
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Patellar Tendinopathy ◽  
Military Population ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave ◽  
Shockwave Therapy ◽  
The Military

ABSTRACT Introduction Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has a wide variety of clinical applications ranging from urology to orthopedics. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is of particular interest to military medicine in the treatment of diverse musculoskeletal injuries, including recalcitrant tendinopathy. Much of the evidence for ESWT is from studies in the civilian population, including athletes. A few investigations have been conducted within military personnel. Musculoskeletal conditions within military personnel may contribute to pain and physical limitations. Optimal functional outcomes could be achieved through ESWT. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence on the efficacy of ESWT the in management of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in the military. Further, we explore the relative efficacy of ESWT compared to regenerative medicine procedures, including studies with treatment using platelet-rich plasma. Materials and Methods A literature review was performed in April 2020 to identify studies evaluating the use of ESWT for lower extremity conditions commonly observed in military personnel, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, medial tibial stress syndrome, and knee arthritis. The literature search was completed by two researchers independently, using PubMed and Embase databases and same search terms. Disagreements were adjudicated by a senior author. Due to the paucity of relevant search results, the search term parameters were expanded to incorporate active participants. Results Two studies evaluated the use of ESWT in a military population for lower extremity injuries. This included a randomized control trial in active military with medial tibial stress syndrome and an unblinded retrospective study for the chronic plantar fasciitis condition. Both studies in the military had favorable outcomes in the use of ESWT compared to other treatment arms. The remaining studies predominantly included athletes. Although heterogeneity on the quality of the studies may prevent meta-analysis and limit the generalization of the findings, the majority of studies demonstrated an improvement in pain and return to activity using ESWT. Two studies using platelet-rich plasma as a treatment arm identified similar short-term outcomes compared to ESWT for Achilles tendinopathy and patellar tendinopathy. Conclusion Our findings suggest that ESWT is a safe and well-tolerated intervention with positive outcomes for lower extremity conditions commonly seen in the military. The few studies comparing ESWT to PRP suggest regenerative benefits similar to orthobiologics in the shorter term. More robust quality designed research may enable the evaluation of ESWT efficacy within the military population. In summary, the use of ESWT may provide pain reduction and improved function in active populations with lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. Further research in the military is needed to evaluate shockwave efficacy in order to advance musculoskeletal care and improve outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document