May 3, 2016 — A single-blind, randomized, “less active similar therapy”-controlled study conducted by researchers at the Hospital of L’Aquila in San Salvatore, Italy, has found that Radial Shock-Wave Therapy (RSWT) is a safe and effective way of treating calcific tendonitis of the shoulder. It has proven more effective in providing relief than other traditional interventions such as anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections.
Ninety patients with significant calcification of the shoulder, verified by standard radiographs and not receiving any other conservative treatments for four weeks, were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group, with the studies followed by an evaluation 6 months later.
The studies found 86% patients who received RSWT had their calcifications reduced completely, compared with none of the control group patients. 13.4% of the patients who were treated with RSWT saw partial reductions of their calcifications, compared with only 8.8% of the control group subjects.
The results of the studies suggest that RSWT lead to a significant reduction in pain for the patients, and improved function of the shoulder as outlined by the UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale. No significant adverse effects were observed in the subjects. The study concludes that RSWT may be a good choice for patients looking to relieve their symptoms of calcific tendonitis without major side-effects or a large cost or financial burden.
painPRO Therapeutics is now offering RSWT included at no cost as part of our new patient-focused, one-on-one Physiotherapy treatments.
Book online or call 604-683-7246 to book an appointment with our physiotherapy specialists today!
