Category: Pain Management

Managing pain and reducing inflammation for long-term health.

The Effectiveness of High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound-Guided Needling Versus Arthroscopic Surgery in the Management of Chronic Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

This systematic review, published in Arthroscopy in January 2016, evaluates the comparative effectiveness of high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided needling (UGN), and arthroscopic surgery (AS) for chronic calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy (CCRCT). The authors analyzed multiple studies to assess outcomes related to pain relief, functional improvement, and calcific deposit

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The Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy on Patellar Tendinopathy, Achilles Tendinopathy, and Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. The authors analyzed data from multiple randomized controlled trials, focusing on pain reduction and functional improvement. The findings indicated that ESWT significantly alleviated pain and enhanced function across

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Which method is more effective in treatment of calcific tendinitis in the shoulder? Prospective randomized comparison between ultrasound-guided needling and extracorporeal shock wave therapy

In this prospective randomized trial, 80 patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder were assigned to either ultrasound-guided needling (UGN) or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). The UGN group underwent a single session of needling and lavage under local anesthesia, while the ESWT group received three sessions of high-energy shock

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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Shows Comparative Results with Other Modalities for the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis by Tung et al. assessed the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) compared to other conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis. The analysis included randomized controlled trials evaluating outcomes such as pain relief and functional improvement. Findings indicated that ESWT provided comparable results to

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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis by Rhim et al. evaluated the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Analyzing data from multiple randomized clinical trials, the study found that ESWT significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with GTPS compared to control treatments.

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Clinical Improvement and Resorption of Calcifications in Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder After Shock Wave Therapy at 6 Months’ Follow-Up: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis, Louwerens et al. evaluated the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The analysis included multiple randomized controlled trials assessing outcomes such as pain relief, functional improvement, and resorption of calcifications at a 6-month follow-up. Findings

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Combined Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Exercise for the Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Narrative Review

In this 2022 narrative review, the authors explored the synergistic effects of combining extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with exercise-based rehabilitation for managing tendinopathies. The review analyzed existing literature on various tendinopathies, including Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendinopathies, assessing the outcomes of combined ESWT and exercise interventions. Findings suggested that

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Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative Treatments for Chronic Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

In this 2017 systematic review and network meta-analysis, Wu et al. evaluated the comparative effectiveness of various nonoperative treatments for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The analysis included 28 randomized controlled trials encompassing 2,197 patients, assessing interventions such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided needling (UGN), corticosteroid injections, and

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Comparative Outcomes of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Tendinitis or Partial Tears of the Rotator Cuff in Athletes and Non-Athletes

In this 2018 retrospective study, Chou et al. evaluated the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating shoulder tendinitis and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) among athletes and non-athletes. The study included 36 shoulders—13 from professional athletes (athletic group, AG) and 23 from non-athletes (non-athletic group, NAG)—all of whom

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