How effective is shockwave at treating injuries?

Sports Med U | Educating Minds, Elevating Potential

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: a systematic review including quantification of patient- rated pain reduction

Korakakis, V., Whiteley, R., Tzavara, A. and Malliaropoulos, N., 2018. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: a systematic review including quantification of patient-rated pain reduction. British journal of sports medicine, 52(6), pp.387-407.

In today’s letter

• Overview of the evidence of shockwave on various MSK conditions

• 5 of clinical tips on the use of shockwave in practice

• Audio version of the newsletter

• As always, a fun infographic for you to save and use in the future

Rapid Results =

• Further investigation required due to moderate-level evidence indicating shockwave therapy is not significantly better than placebo in patellar tendinopathy

• Shockwave therapy demonstrates effectiveness with a large effect size in proximal hamstring tendinopathy, supported by moderate-level evidence.

• Low-level evidence supports the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in treating Achilles tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

• No evidence supports the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in treating medial tibial stress syndrome.

Professional takeaway = Shockwave use depends on the condition and thus careful consideration into patient availability, goals and presentation should be taking into account.

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