Shockwave therapy in diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system due sports
Objective: to assess the role of shockwave therapy (SWT) in holiatry of the musculoskeletal system diseases and injuries among athletes with the subsequent development of SWT optimal dosage. Material and methods: 976 athletes aged 16 to 42 years with the musculoskeletal system diseases and injuries were divided into 2 groups: 459 patients (I group) received standard conservative treatment (physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cartilage protectors, exercise therapy, etc.); 517 patients (II group) additionally received 3-6 procedures of SWT for 10 minutes after 1.5-2 days (3000 beats per procedure, the average percussion frequency - 5 Hz, pressure - 2 Bar x 100kRa, energy density - 0,3 mJ/mm <sup>2</sup>). Treatment results were evaluated for 6 months based on the visual analog pain scale and timing of the resumption of exercises. Results: SWT allowed reducing intensity of pain significantly in a short period of time, and stable positive effects of treatment were observed in long-term period. Good results of SWT in one month treatment were obtained in 81%, satisfactory - 7%, unsatisfactory - 2% of patients. After the first procedure, over 65% of patients reported significant reduction of pain. Six month from baseline, a stable positive effect was observed in 55% patients of the first group and in 80% of patients in the second group. Conclusions: SWT allows reducing pain syndrome quickly helps to prevent the recurrence of pain in the long-term period in patients with degenerative-dystrophic musculoskeletal diseases, reduces the time period of rehabilitation and disability sports.