The Effectiveness of Radial ESWT on Upper Trapezius Mtrps

The Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

This study looked after the effectiveness of radial ESWT on upper trapezius mtrps. There were three intervention groups which recieved either ESWT or standard care. VAS, PPT, Neck ROM and Cervical functionality were the main outcomes.

This study was a randomized controlled trial consisted of three intervention groups. Two of them recieved ESWT with different parameters in each group, while the third one was standard care recieving Ultrasound therapy, Therapeutic massage and Heat packs Participants were divided randomly into the three groups. Participants were blind to the group allocated and also the therapist and outcome investigator were blind.

The participants recieved three weekly sessions. The evaluation took place before therapy, after each session and one month after last session.

The outcome measures was the pain intensity with VAS, the pain tolerance to pressure by an algometer device, the range of motion of neck measured by electronic goniometer and and functionality of neck measured by the Northwick Park Neck Pain

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain between shoulder and neck on upper trapezius muscle
• Three out of five of Travel and Simons criteria for myofascial trigger points

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fibromyalgia diagnosis
• Systemic diseases diagnosis,
• Pacemaker, under 18,
• Any kind of cervical disorder or surgery,
• Mental disorders