Patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome present with sensitive trigger points in the muscle, which can also cause pain in seemingly unrelated parts of the body, known as referred pain. Trigger points are often caused by repetitive motions used in daily activities like work, hobbies, or stress-related tension.
Treatment options for trigger points include physical therapy, pain medication, and trigger point injections. There are also significant clinical studies that support shockwave therapy for trigger points.
Using acoustic pressure waves, shockwave therapy stimulates cells that are responsible for bone and tissue healing. As such, it offers a drug-free, non-invasive treatment modality for many musculoskeletal conditions. For myofascial trigger points, shockwave therapy has been demonstrated to decrease pain and improve function.
Clinical Data Supporting Shockwave Therapy for Trigger Points
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in Advanced Biomedical Research examined the effectiveness of using shockwave therapy on gastroc-soleus trigger points in patients with plantar fasciitis. Researchers compared a case group that received shockwave therapy on both their gastroc-soleus trigger points and heel region to a control group that only received shockwave therapy on the heel region.
Researchers followed up eight weeks after the final sessions. They found that while the Visual Analogue Score had decreased in both groups, the case group had significantly greater results. And again, the case group enjoyed better results according to the modified Roles and Maudsley score.
According to researchers, combining shockwave therapy for gastroc-soleus trigger points with the heel region “is more effective than utilizing it solely for plantar fasciitis.”
Trigger points are also common in the neck and back. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of eight controlled clinical studies looked at a total of 571 patients with myofascial pain. Of these patients, 541 had trigger points in the neck and upper back, and only 30 had trigger points in the waist.
The data showed that pain levels following shockwave therapy were lower than that after other treatment methods, pain threshold was higher after shockwave therapy compared to other treatment methods, and the neck disability index after shockwave therapy was also comparatively lower.
How to Leverage Shockwave Therapy for Trigger Points
If you’re looking to integrate shockwave therapy for trigger points into your practice, then you’ve come to the right place. Shockwave Canada is the exclusive distributor of Storz shockwave technology, the industry leader for more than 30 years. We work with all healthcare professionals, providing 24/7 support from our expert practitioners.
Call 1-866-963-5373 or visit our website to learn more.
