The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

Objectives: Tendinopathy is a common condition that affects the body's tendon structures, causing discomfort, restricted movement, and reduced functionality. In this study, we looked at how extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) affected pain levels in individuals with various forms of tendinopathy around the world.

Design: This study is a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of previously published randomized controlled trials. To gather relevant data, the researchers performed keyword searches in international databases, including PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Research Registers of ongoing trials (ClinicalTrials.gov), as well as Embase. The search was conducted up until March 2023. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias method for randomized trials (RoB2).

Results: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, which included 45 clinical studies, the use of ESWT was found to have a significant impact on reducing pain in various conditions. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF) was reduced by 1.63 (SMD: -1.63, 95% CI: -3.04, -0.21; I2: 77.36%; P heterogeneity: 0.0001). For lateral epicondylitis (LE), the SMD was 0.63 (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI: -1.11, -0.16; I2: 67.50%; P heterogeneity: 0.003). In the case of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, the SMD was 1.38 (SMD: -1.38, 95% CI: -1.66, -1.10; I2: 96.44%; P heterogeneity: 0.0001). Additionally, in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy, the SMD for pain reduction was 2.37 units (SMD: -2.37, 95% CI: -3.58, -1.15; I2: 98.46%; P heterogeneity: 0.0001).

Conclusion: This study suggests that ESWT can be a highly effective therapy option for relieving pain in people with tendinopathy. Nonetheless, it is encouraged to make additional recommendations based on high-quality clinical research and more accurate information in order to define the optimal therapeutic options for each type of tendinopathy.