Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Shockwave therapy and fibromyalgia and its effect on pain, blood markers, imaging, and participant experience - a
Paolo Sanzo1,2, Martina Agostino1, Wesley Fidler2
1Faculty of Health and the Behavioral Sciences, Kinesiology Department, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada.
Background:
Patients with fibromyalgia experience chronic, widespread pain. It remains a misunderstood disorder with multimodal treatments providing mixed results.
Objectives:
To examine the effects of radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) compared to placebo on pain, pain catastrophizing, psychological indices, blood markers, and neuroimaging. Study-related experiences were also explored qualitatively.
Methods:
Quantitative sensory testing (QST), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Beighton Scoring Screen (BSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), blood biomarker (Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10), and brain fMRI were measured pre- and post-treatment along with a post-treatment survey. The RSWT group received five treatments (one week apart over five-week period) to the three most painful areas (500 shocks at 1.5 bar and 15 Hz, then 1000 shocks at 2 bar and 8 Hz, and finally 500 shocks at 1.5 bar and 15 Hz) versus sham treatment for the placebo group.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in the BSS for hypermobility (p = .21; d = .74), PCS (p = .70; d = .22), VAS (p = .17-.61; d = .20-.83) scores, QST for skin temperature and stimuli (p = .14-.65; d = .25-.88), and for the pressure pain threshold (p = .71-.93; d = .05-.21). The VAS scores had clinically significant changes (MCID greater than 13.90) with improved pain scores in the RSWT group. Neuroimaging scans revealed no cortical thickness changes. Post-treatment surveys revealed pain and symptom improvements and offered hope to individuals.
Conclusion:
RSWT was implemented safely, without any negative treatment effects reported, and acted as a pain modulator to reduce sensitivity.
Clinical Trials Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identification number NCT02760212.
