Comparison of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Suprascapular Nerve Block in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

Kars State Hospital67 enrolled

Overview

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with conventional treatment for hemiplegic shoulder pain. A total of 67 patients aged 45-70 years, treated at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between April 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group (n=24) received conventional treatment, the second group (n=22) received conventional treatment plus one session of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, and the third group (n=21) received conventional treatment plus ESWT applied for 2 weeks, 4 days per week at 12 Hz and 2-3 bars. All groups were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically before treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale, upper extremity motor function with the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale, and supraspinatus muscle tear size via ultrasound.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) when added to conventional treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain. A total of 67 patients aged 45 to 70 years who were treated at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between April 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups. The first group (n = 24) received conventional treatment alone. The second group (n = 22) received conventional treatment combined with a single session of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). The third group (n = 21) received conventional treatment combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), applied for two weeks, four days per week, at a frequency of 12 Hz and an intensity of 2 to 3 bars. All participants were evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically at baseline, at one month, and at three months. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Upper extremity motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS). Supraspinatus muscle tear size was measured using ultrasonography.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

Interventions

Conventional therapy groupOTHER

Conventional treatment including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hot pack therapy for 4 weeks, and joint range of motion, stretching, and progressive resistive exercises performed 5 days per week for 12 weeks.

suprascapular nerve blockPROCEDURE

A single session of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block administered prior to the conventional therapy program.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave TherapyDEVICE

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied at 12 Hz frequency and 2-3 bars pressure, 4 days per week for 2 weeks, in addition to the conventional therapy program.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 45 YearsMax age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Patients with shoulder pain of at least 5 cm on the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following hemiplegia. Patients aged 45-70 years. Patients with partial tear of the supraspinatus muscle/tendon confirmed by ultrasonographic evaluation. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with limited cooperation. Patients who received local anesthetic or corticosteroid injection to the shoulder region within the last 3 months. Patients with a history of surgery or radiotherapy in the shoulder region. Patients with pre-existing shoulder pain prior to the diagnosis of stroke. Patients with a cardiac pacemaker. Patients with malignancy or signs of acute inflammation in the treatment area. Patients with coagulation disorders or an INR ≥ 4. Patients with vascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, or arterial disease.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Visual Analog Scale

The Visual Analog Scale will be used to assess the intensity of pain reported by participants. The scale consists of a 10-cm horizontal line anchored by two extremes: 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain. Participants will mark the point on the line that best represents their pain intensity. The score will be determined by measuring the distance (in centimeters) from the "no pain" anchor to the participant's mark, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation.

Secondary Outcomes

Shoulder range of motion

Maximum passive shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation, as well as the range of motion at pain onset, were measured using a goniometer while the patient was in the supine position. Measurements were recorded in degrees, and higher values indicate greater joint range of motion.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation.

Presence of supraspinatus tendon tear

The presence of a supraspinatus tendon tear was evaluated using ultrasonography with a branded ultrasound device. Imaging was performed by an experienced clinician.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment initiation.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Suprascapular Nerve Block in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes