Comparision of the effectiveness of ESWT and ultrasound treatments in myofascial pain syndrome: randomized, sham-controlled study

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 448 - 453
• Main Authors: Aktürk, Semra, Kaya, Arzu, Çetintaş, Derya, Akgöl, Gürkan, Gülkesen, Arif, Kal, Gül Ayden, Güçer, Tülin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2018; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Myofascial pain syndrome; Original; Pain; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasound; Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Ultrasound; Myofascial pain syndrome
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.30.448

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to compare effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound (US) and sham ESWT in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). [Subjects and Methods] Sixty MPS patients aged 18–60 years were included in the study. The patients were randomized equally into 3 groups. Group 1 received ESWT for 4 session with 3 day-intervals. Group 2 received 4 sessions of sham ESWT. US was applied to Group 3 for 10 sessions. All patients were recommended an exercise program. The patients were evaluated before-post and 6 weeks after treatment. Measurements were made using pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain score (PS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were evaluated by using SF-36 and HADS (hospital anxiety and depression scale). [Results] A significant posttreatment difference was found in VAS, PPT and SF-36 subparameters in group 1. In group 2, a significant difference was not found in any parameter. In group 3, a significant difference was detected in parameters of VAS and PPT. A significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 as for subtitles of PPT, VAS, SF-36. [Conclusion] These results suggest that ESWT is as effective as US. ESWT and US are significantly more effective than sham ESWT.