A Study to Find Out the Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions-A Systematic Review Solanki Chirag P.1, Chhatlani Rahul M.2 1Assistant Professor at R.K. University, Gujarat, India 2PT in P.P. Savani University, Gujarat, India Online published on 21 November, 2019. Abstract Background and Objectives Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, (or ESWT), is a new technology using shockwaves to treat chronic, painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system. A shockwave is an intense, but very short energy wave traveling faster than the speed of sound. The word “Extra-corporeal” means “outside the body” and refers to the fact that the shockwaves are generated outside the body. Complaints involving attachment points for tendons and ligaments in major joints like the shoulder (such as the rotator cuff), elbow (epicondylitis or tennis elbow), hip, and knee (tendinitis or “jumper's knee) are common sites for ESWT. Data Sources All English-language articles on ESWT for chronic painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system Indexed in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Health STAR published prior to December 2018 were included. Results Twenty-eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous. Twenty RCTs compared ESWT energy levels and placebo and consistently showed that high-energy ESWT was significantly better than placebo in decreasing pain and improving function and resorption of calcifications in calcific tendinitis. No significant difference was found between ESWT and placebo in treatment of noncalcific tendinitis. Conclusion EWST is often a last resort treatment once other less expensive treatments have failed (ie. manual therapy, US). Best results when used in conjunction with exercise Not a stand-alone modality. Positive findings for plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinopathy, and Achilles tendinopathy. Mixed results for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder and lateral epicondylitis. Top Keywords Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Musculoskeletal system, Plantar fasciitis, Patellar tendinopathy, Lateral epicondylitis. Top |