Low-energy extracorporeal shock-wave treatment (ESWT) for tendinitis of the supraspinatus

We have performed a controlled, randomised study to analyse the effects of low-energy shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on function and pain in tendinitis of the supraspinatus without calcification. There were 20 patients in the trea tment group and 20 in the control group. The former group received 6000 imp ulses (energy flux density, 0.11 mJ/mm(2)) in three sessions after local an aesthesia. The control group had 6000 impulses of sham ESWT after local ana esthesia. The patients were examined at six and 12 weeks after treatment by an indepe ndent observer who evaluated the Constant score and level of pain. We found an increase in function and a reduction of pain in both groups (p less tha n or equal to 0.001). Statistical analysis showed no difference between the groups for the Constant score and for pain. We therefore do not recommend ESWT for the treatment of tendinitis of supraspinatus.