February 2024 CME Activity: Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain and Function in Myofascial Pain Syndrome A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials-Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain and Function in Myofascial Pain Syndrome A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain and Function in Myofascial Pain Syndrome A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

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Pdf Summary

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving functionality in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) compared to control methods and ultrasound therapy, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. The review analyzed 27 studies involving a total of 595 participants who received ESWT. The results showed that ESWT was superior to control methods in relieving pain, as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold, and in improving functionality. However, no significant differences were found between ESWT and other interventions such as dry needling, exercises, infiltrations, and laser interventions. The effectiveness of ESWT was consistent across different doses, types of shockwave (radial or focused), and anatomical locations. The review also found that ESWT improved range of motion and quality of life compared to control methods and ultrasound therapy. However, the review noted that the duration of follow-up in the included studies was relatively short, with most studies assessing immediate post-intervention outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal parameters and application doses of ESWT for the treatment of MPS. Despite these limitations, ESWT appears to be a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option for relieving pain and improving functionality in patients with MPS.

Keywords

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

ESWT

myofascial pain syndrome

systematic review

pain relief

functionality improvement

visual analog scale

pressure pain threshold

range of motion

quality of life