The Analgesic Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Plantar Fasciitis: A Preliminary Report

Abstract In the last 3 years we have conducted a preliminary study into the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with variety of soft tissue disorders. It is a form of treatment that has recently been described widely. The information gained from our study is now being used in designing more formal prospective studies. We studied 44 patients with total 59 pathological lesions (due to bilateral involvement). There were 34 tennis elbow, 11 golfer’s elbow and 14 plantar fasciitis lesions. Patients included in our study had previous unsuccessful conservative treatment for a minimum 6 months duration. Patients received 2000 shock waves of 0.04 to 0.12 mj/mm2 three times at monthly intervals. The minimum follow up period has been 6 months and maximum 36 months. Our success rate (excellent and good results) was 68% in tennis elbow, 45% in golfer’s elbow and 71 % in plantar fasciitis.

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