A comparison of the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy on managing heel pain / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To examine the relative effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound therapy (US) on managing heel pain. Methods Thirty seven patients were divided into 3 groups, two treatment groups (groups 1 and 2) and one control group (group 3).Group 1 received ESWT once a week for 3 consecutive weeks.Parameters were set at a frequency of 4Hz with a total of 1000 impulses, intensity at 0.23 to 0.37mJ/mm 2. Group 2 received continuous ultrasound therapy for 5 minutes in each session, three times a week for three consecutive weeks. Parameters were set at 1MHz, intensity level at 1W/mm 2. Group 3 was the control group and no treatment was given during the study period.The intensity of morning pain on weight bearing, pain triggered by prolonged walking/standing, pain on tension and palpation tests were assessed by use of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each treatment session, including the follow up session.In addition, Mayo Clinical Scoring System (MCSS) was used to evaluate the treatment outcomes. Results After 3 weeks of treatment plus 3 weeks follow up,outcome measures had shown statistical significant difference on the intensity of pain on tension test( P =0.037),the intensity of pain on palpation test ( P =0.019) and the maximum duration of prolonged walking or standing ( P =0.002). Conclusion ESWT is more effective and efficient for managing heel pain than ultrasound therapy.