Effects of Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy Among Patients With Chronic Sciatica

Comparative Effects of Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy Combined With Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain Intensity, Hamstring Range of Motion, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sciatica is characterized by radiating pain, functional limitations, reduced flexibility, disturbed sleep, and impaired quality of life. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Therapeutic Ultrasound are commonly used physiotherapy modalities for pain relief and tissue healing; however, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness remains limited. This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of Shockwave Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy, each combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain intensity, hamstring range of motion, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with chronic sciatica.

This randomized controlled trial compares two physiotherapy interventions for chronic sciatica. Sixty-six participants will be randomly allocated to either Shockwave Therapy plus Conventional Physiotherapy or Ultrasound Therapy plus Conventional Physiotherapy. Both groups will receive identical conventional physiotherapy consisting of heat therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Treatment will be administered four sessions per week for eight weeks. Outcomes including pain intensity, hamstring range of motion, sleep quality, and quality of life will be measured at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 by a blinded outcome assessor.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 20-45 years.
• Clinically diagnosed chronic sciatica.
• Radiating pain below the knee.
• Positive Straight Leg Raise test (30°-70°).
• Pain intensity ≥4/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
• Symptoms persisting for at least 3 months.
• Presence of tingling, numbness, lumbar radiculopathy, or piriformis syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lumbar disc herniation.
• Progressive neurological disorders.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Paget disease.
• Tuberculosis.
• Malignancy.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders.
• Previous spinal surgery or fracture.
• Fever, unexplained weight loss, or systemic illness.