Comparison of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Traditional Physiotherapy in Myofascial Trigger Points

Abstract

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of radial-extracorporeal shock wave therapy (r-ESWT) and traditional physiotherapy (TP) in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Material and Methods: A total of 74 patients with myofascial trigger points were randomly separated into the ESWT (n=37) group and the TP (n=37) group. The groups received treatment for 2 weeks. A total of 66 (r-ESWT, n=30; TP, n=36) patients completed the study. Neck pain and disability were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QDASH), and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Active trigger points were evaluated using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). All outcome measurements were assessed before treatment, then at 2 weeks, and 1 month after the completion of the treatment. Results: Significant improvements of VAS, Q-DASH, NHP, and SWE scores were observed at all time points after treatment in both treatment groups. When the change levels were compared between the groups, the decrease in VAS, and the improvement in Q-DASH and NHP scores were significantly higher in the TP group than in the ESWT group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of change in SWE. Conclusion: The both methods were useful in alleviating pain, improving function, and reducing shear modulus in myofascial trigger points, although TP seemed to be more effective than ESWT.