The effectiveness of the method of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of the patients presenting with degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the tendons, muscles and ligaments of the shoulder joint
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the method of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) for the treatment of the patients presenting with degenerative lesions of various severity in the tissues and anatomical structures involved in the formation of the shoulder joint. The study and the analysis of its results were carried out based at the “Vulan” Spa and Health Resort Facility. A total of 34 patients at the age of 30-68 years presenting with persistent pain in the projection of the shoulder joint were treated during the period of 12 months by means of ECSWT. The results of their treatment were compared with those obtained in the management of 37 patients with a similar pathology managed using the traditional therapeutic modalities, such as phonophoresis with hydrocortisone and ozokerite therapy. The treatment was carried out with the use of a “Shockmaster 500” (Germany) apparatus, equipped with the “Karl Storz” (Switzerland) applicators providing for the radial spread of the shock wave. The range of the active and passive movements in the joint before and after the course of therapy was evaluated using the “Con Trex” robotic complex (Switzerland) based on biological signal feedback using the Swanson scale score for the shoulder (the Swanson shoulder score, 1989) and the Likert scale. The analysis of the results confirmed the significant improvement in the condition of the treated patients as compared with that in the control group. Specifically, the range of the active and passive movements in the affected joint increased whereas the intensity of the pain syndrome was either relieved or it was completely eliminated. As a consequence, the quality of life of the patients was markedly improved. These findings give grounds to recommend the extension of the application of the ECSWT-based treatment at various stages of rehabilitation of the patients suffering from humeroscapular pain for the purposes of remedial medicine and clinical practice.