J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun;42:823-830. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.01.035. Epub 2025 Jan 30.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and deep friction massage (DFM) in treating supraspinatus tendinitis in non-professional athletes.
METHODS: Thirty-two non-professional athletes diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinitis were randomly assigned to either the ESWT group with therapeutic exercise or the DFM group with therapeutic exercise. Outcome assessments were conducted before the intervention, after 12 sessions, and one week later. The primary outcomes measured were pain intensity and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles. Secondary outcomes included shoulder abduction, external rotation, supraspinatus strength, and quality of life. Between-group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA/ANCOVA, and effect sizes were calculated.
RESULTS: The group × time interaction was significant for pain (p = 0.011), PPT (p = 0.04), and shoulder abduction (p = 0.04), while no significant interaction was found for shoulder external rotation or supraspinatus strength (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in all outcomes compared to baseline in both groups.Between-group comparisons demonstrated the superior effectiveness of shockwave therapy in improving pain (p = 0.024, effect size = -0.84), increasing the PPT of the supraspinatus (p = 0.0001, effect size = 1.65) and deltoid (p < 0.0001, effect size = 2.61), and enhancing shoulder abduction (p = 0.001, effect size = 1.31). Effect sizes indicated high efficacy (greater than 0.8) favoring shockwave therapy. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in shoulder external rotation (p = 0.2), supraspinatus strength (p = 0.42), or quality of life (p = 0.97).
CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that shockwave therapy is significantly more effective than deep friction massage for managing supraspinatus tendinitis.
PMID:40325761 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.01.035
