Comparison of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Introduction: People suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy exhibit reduced mobility due to pain. The pain and the limited functionality affect negatively the overall quality of life. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the intensity of pain, the functionality of the upper limbs and the quality of life of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy by using two different therapeutic modalities, shockwave and ultrasound, whose outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and post-treatment as well as after a 4-week follow-up. Materials and methods: Out of the total sample of 115 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, 56 patients constituted the shockwave intervention group, 47 patients constituted the therapeutic ultrasound group and 12 patients made up the control group. The self-administered questionnaire "The University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire, UoP - PFQ" was used where the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life of the upper limbs were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, pre-treatment, post-treatment and at a 4-week follow-up. Results: The pain intensity was reduced and both the functionality and quality of life were improved after shockwave therapy post-treatment ( p