Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies

People suffering from tendinopathies exhibit reduced mobility due to the pain caused by the movement of the tendons involved. Recently, shockwave therapy has been used as a treatment option, which is non-invasive, simpler, faster and safer.

To record the intensity of the pain, the functionality of the upper and lower limbs and quality of life before treatment with shock waves, immediately after the treatment and the 4-week follow-up.

The sample consisted of 384 patients, suffering from a tendinopathy. 326 patients constituted the shockwave intervention groups and 58 patients made up the control groups. The researchers created a self-administered questionnaire (University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire) in which the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, before, immediately after the treatment and at a 4-week follow-up.

The pain reduction and the improvement of functionality and quality of life after shockwave treatment increased by at least two points on the five-point Likert scale both post-treatment (p<0,001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0,001) compared to post-treatment in elbow tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It might be first choice because of its effectiveness and safety.