Methods

We performed a prospective intervention study, with thirty-two patients with Achilles tendinopathy were enrolled; 26 not insertional and 8 insertional. For treatment this group received three to five applications (every week) of 6000 impulses of radial shock waves (BTL-5000 SWT, BTL-6000 SWT) with progressive protocol, this protocol has 2000 shockwaves neurostimulation, 2000 shockwave treatment and 2000 of neurostimulation at the end of the session. Follow-up examinations were performed at a month, then every month up to 6 months using visual analog scale (VAS) of pain (0 to 10) in morning and activity pain.

Results

Twenty four patients (75%) were very satisfied, 6 (18.76%) were satisfied, 1 (3.1%) were improved the condition, and 1 (3.1%) said it did not affect the preview condition. Ninety-three percent of patients said they would choose as first choice treatment of radial shock waves. After 6 months of follow-up the mean of VAS for morning pain decreased from 7.2 to 2.1 and activity pain decreased from 8.3 to 3.

Discussion

This is a preliminary study demonstrates the effectiveness of radial shock waves not only in insertional tendinopathy, also no insertional tendinopathy with intra tendinous calcifications, using progressive protocol, however requires higher studies.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with lateral Achilles tendinopathy.