Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain and Function in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to examine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in reducing pain, improving functionality, joint range of motion, quality of life, fatigue, and health status self-perception in people with myofascial pain syndrome. Methods PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for only randomized clinical trials published up to June 2, 2022. The main outcome variables were pain, as reported on the visual analog scale and pressure pain threshold, and functionality. A quantitative analysis was conducted using the inverse variance method and the random effects model. Results Twenty-seven studies were included (N = 595 participants in the extracorporeal shockwave therapy group). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for relieving pain was superior for the extracorporeal shockwave therapy group compared with the control group on the visual analog scale (MD = −1.7 cm; 95% confidence interval = −2.2 to −1.1) and pressure pain threshold (mean difference = 1.1 kg/cm2; 95% confidence interval = 0.4 to 1.7) and functionality (standardized mean difference = −0.8; 95% confidence interval = −1.6 to −0.04) with high heterogeneity. However, no differences were found between extracorporeal shockwave therapy and other interventions as dry needling, exercises, infiltrations, and lasers interventions. Conclusions Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is effective in relieving pain and improving functionality in patients with myofascial pain syndrome compared with control and ultrasound therapy. To Claim CME Credits Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME To Claim CME Credits Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME Objectives Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Determine the effectiveness of radial and focal extracorporeal shockwaves on pain perception, the pressure pain threshold, and functionality in people with myofascial pain syndrome; (2) Describe the intervention protocol of extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve pain perception in people with myofascial pain syndrome; and (3) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus other intervention such as dry needling. Level Advanced Accreditation The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Level Advanced Accreditation The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.