Comparison of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Suprascapular Nerve Block in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Comparison of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Suprascapular Nerve Block in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with conventional treatment for hemiplegic shoulder pain. A total of 67 patients aged 45-70 years, treated at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between April 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group (n=24) received conventional treatment, the second group (n=22) received conventional treatment plus one session of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, and the third group (n=21) received conventional treatment plus ESWT applied for 2 weeks, 4 days per week at 12 Hz and 2-3 bars. All groups were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically before treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale, upper extremity motor function with the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale, and supraspinatus muscle tear size via ultrasound.
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) when added to conventional treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain.
A total of 67 patients aged 45 to 70 years who were treated at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between April 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups. The first group (n = 24) received conventional treatment alone. The second group (n = 22) received conventional treatment combined with a single session of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). The third group (n = 21) received conventional treatment combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), applied for two weeks, four days per week, at a frequency of 12 Hz and an intensity of 2 to 3 bars.
All participants were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically at baseline, at one month, and at three months. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Upper extremity motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS). Supraspinatus muscle tear size was measured using ultrasonography.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients with shoulder pain of at least 5 cm on the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following hemiplegia.
Patients aged 45-70 years.
Patients with partial tear of the supraspinatus muscle/tendon confirmed by ultrasonographic evaluation.
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients who received local anesthetic or corticosteroid injection to the shoulder region within the last 3 months.
Patients with a history of surgery or radiotherapy in the shoulder region.
Patients with pre-existing shoulder pain prior to the diagnosis of stroke.
Patients with a cardiac pacemaker.
Patients with malignancy or signs of acute inflammation in the treatment area.
Patients with coagulation disorders or an INR ≥ 4.
Patients with vascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, or arterial disease.