Efficacy of Medium-High-Energy Radial Pressure Wave Therapy on Rehabilitation Outcomes after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Trial.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of medium-high-energy radial pressure wave therapy (MH-RPWT) as an adjunct to a standardized rehabilitation protocol for patients after arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Seventy-two patients with RCTs (3 months postoperatively) were randomly assigned to group A (MH-RPWT, n = 36) or group B (sham, n = 36). Group A received MH-RPWT (0.22 mJ/mm2, 4000 shocks/session, twice weekly for 4 weeks) plus conventional rehabilitation (5 sessions per week). Group B received sham with the same rehabilitation program. Visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score (CMS), grip strength (GS), and range of motion (ROM) were assessed pre-treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention. Baseline characteristics were comparable (all p > 0.05). All follow-up results showed that VAS scores significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.001), but lower in group A (p < 0.001). CMS scores and grip strength significantly increased (all p < 0.001), but higher in Group A (p < 0.01-0.001). ROM improved in both groups (p < 0.001), with Group A superior at 6 months (p < 0.05). Adjunctive MH-RPWT initiated at 3 months postoperatively significantly enhances pain relief and functional recovery, demonstrating efficacy as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation.