The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 1387-1393.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.09.017

• Drugs and Clinic Practice • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for trigger point combined with periapical steroid injection on the quality of recovery in patients with primary frozen shoulder

Youhua LI1,Fan SUN1,Yulian LIN1,Chang LIU1,Yujia TANG1,Zhou WU2,Yan YUAN1()   

  1. Department of Pain,the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University,Xuzhou 221002,Jiangsu,China
  • Received:2025-02-28 Online:2025-05-10 Published:2025-05-20
  • Contact: Yan YUAN E-mail:1046817112@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) combined with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection (CSI) for the treatment of primary frozen shoulder (PFS). Methods Ninety-nine patients with PFS who visited the pain department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between April 2024 and July 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups according to the randomized number table method: ESWT group (T group), CSI group (I group), and combined treatment group (TI group), with 33 patients in each group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, shoulder range of motion (SROM), and Constant-Murley shoulder scores (CMS) were recorded before treatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. Additionally, the patients' Ascens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores were recorded before treatment and 1 month after treatment. The occurrence of adverse effects and the use of remedial medications during the treatment period were also documented. Results Compared with pre-treatment, VAS scores decreased, and SROM and CM scores improved at all time points after treatment in all three groups (P < 0.05). AIS scores also decreased in all three groups at 1 month post-treatment (all P < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the TI group exhibited significantly lower VAS pain scores, greater SROM (forward flexion and backward extension), and higher CM scores at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment compared to the T and I groups (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the T and I groups for these measures (Bonferroni-corrected P > 0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in AIS scores or adverse effects occurrence among the three groups at 1 month post-treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusion The combined treatment demonstrated greater efficacy compared to trigger point extracorporeal shock wave therapy alone and periapical steroid injection alone, resulting in significant improvement in the patient's clinical symptoms and quality of life.

Key words: primary frozen shoulder, trigger point, extracorporeal shock wave, corticosteroid injection

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