Efficacy of Medium-High-Energy Radial Pressure Wave Therapy on Rehabilitation Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of medium-high-energy radial pressure wave therapy as an adjunct to a standardized rehabilitation protocol for patients after arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with rotator cuff tears (3 mos postoperatively) were randomly assigned to group A (medium-high-energy radial pressure wave therapy, n  = 36) or group B (sham, n  = 36). Group A received medium-high-energy radial pressure wave therapy (0.22 mJ/mm 2 , 4000 shocks/session, twice weekly for 4 wks) plus conventional rehabilitation (5 sessions per week). Group B received sham with the same rehabilitation program. Visual analog scale, Constant-Murley score, grip strength, and range of motion were assessed before treatment and 1, 3, and 6 mos after intervention.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable (all P  > 0.05). All follow-up results showed that visual analog scale scores significantly decreased in both groups ( P  < 0.001), but lower in group A ( P  < 0.001). Constant-Murley score scores and grip strength significantly increased (all P  < 0.001), but higher in group A ( P  < 0.01-0.001). Range of motion improved in both groups ( P  < 0.001), with group A superior at 6 mos ( P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive medium-high-energy radial pressure wave therapy initiated at 3 mos postoperatively significantly enhances pain relief and functional recovery, demonstrating efficacy as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation.