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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Radial Pressure Wave Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Narrative Review of Clinical Outcomes and Therapeutic Implications

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Review Article | Vol 5 | Issue 2 |  July-December 2025 | page: 32-38 | Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García, Karen Chacón Morales, Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez, Daniel Miller Serano, Diego Alberto Rojo Orozco, Diana Hazel Araiza Quintana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i02.179

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 05 Aug 2025, Review Date: 18 Nov 2025, Accepted Date: Nov 2025 & Published: 30 Dec 2025

Author: Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García [1], Karen Chacón Morales [1], Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez [1], Daniel Miller Serano [1], Diego Alberto Rojo Orozco [1], Diana Hazel Araiza Quintana [1]

 

[1] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde,” Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.

Address of Correspondence
Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García,
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde,” Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
E-mail: atavila@hcg.gob.mx

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy and a frequent cause of pain, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Although conservative management remains the first-line approach for mild-to-moderate disease, optimal non-invasive treatment strategies continue to be investigated. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) have emerged as potential therapeutic alternatives due to their biological effects on nerve regeneration, inflammation, and tissue healing.
Objective: The objective of the study is to synthesize and critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of ESWT and RPWT in the management of CTS.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies evaluating the effects of ESWT and RPWT in patients with CTS were included, encompassing randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Outcomes of interest included pain intensity, functional status, and electrophysiological parameters.
Results: The available evidence suggests that ESWT and RPWT are associated with significant improvements in pain relief, functional outcomes, and nerve conduction parameters in patients with mild-to-moderate CTS. Both ESWT and RPWT modalities demonstrated clinical benefits, with improvements observed in Visual Analog Scale scores, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire outcomes, and electrophysiological measures. Across studies, ESWT and RPWT were generally well tolerated, with minimal and transient adverse effects. Comparisons with conventional treatments, including splinting and corticosteroid injection, indicate comparable or superior outcomes for ESWT and RPWT in selected patient populations.
Conclusion: ESWT and RPWT represent promising non-invasive treatment options for CTS, offering meaningful clinical benefits with a favorable safety profile. Although current evidence supports its use in mild-to-moderate disease, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to establish optimal treatment parameters and long-term efficacy.
Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Radial Pressure Wave Therapy, Median Nerve.`

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How to Cite this article: Richmond C, Thieu V, Singh M. Application of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Recalcitrant Patellar Tendinopathy Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autograft. Journal of Regenerative Science. July-December 2025;5(2):32-38

 

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Exploratory Analysis of Pain and Function Improvement after Radial Pressure Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

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Original Article | Vol 5 | Issue 1 |  January-June 2025 | page: 08-13 | Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García, Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez, Cinthia Citlalli Domínguez Navarrete, Karen Chacón Morales, Marco Antonio González López

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2025.v05.i01.159

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 07 Mar 2025, Review Date: 30 Apr 2025, Accepted Date: 10 May 2025 & Published: 30 Jun 2025

Author: Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García [1], Ana Lilia Villagrana Rodríguez [1], Cinthia Citlalli Domínguez Navarrete [1], Karen Chacón Morales [1], Marco Antonio González López [1]

[1] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Jalisco, México, 44280

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Armando Tonatiuh Ávila García,
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Coronel Calderón 777, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, 44280
E-mail: atavila@hcg.gob.mx

Abstract
Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain, impairing functionality and quality of life. Radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) is a well-known non-invasive option to treat PF, but evidence on factors influencing outcomes is limited.
Objectives: The objectives of the study are to explore associations between baseline patient characteristics and clinical outcomes and to evaluate the impact of RPWT on pain and functionality in PF patients.
Materials and Methods: This exploratory, pilot study included 19 PF patients treated with three RPWT sessions. Pain intensity (numerical pain rating scale [NPRS]) and functionality (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 [WHODAS 2.0]) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Retrospective data on age, body mass index (BMI), and PF chronicity were analyzed. Statistical tests included Wilcoxon signed rank for outcome comparisons and Spearman’s correlation for associations.
Results: NPRS scores decreased significantly from 6.89 ± 1.88 to 4.42 ± 2.36 (P = 0.001), while WHODAS 2.0 scores improved from 47.60 ± 21.85 to 21.34 ± 20.30 (P = 0.001). Baseline NPRS scores showed a moderate, positive correlation with post-treatment NPRS scores (ρ = 0.561, P = 0.01). No significant correlations were found between post-treatment outcomes and BMI, age, or PF chronicity.
Conclusion: RPWT significantly reduced pain and improved functionality in PF patients, with baseline pain levels emerging as a factor associated with outcomes. These preliminary findings support RPWT as a promising treatment and highlight the need for larger, controlled studies to validate and expand these results.
Keywords: Pain intensity, Plantar fasciitis, Radial pressure wave therapy, Rehabilitation outcomes, Therapeutic effectiveness, Treatment predictors

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How to Cite this article: Ávila García AT, Rodríguez ALV, Navarrete CCD, Morales KC, López MAG | Exploratory analysis of pain and function improvement after radial pressure wave therapy in plantar fasciitis. | Journal of Regenerative Science | Jan-Jun 2025; 5(1): 08-13.

 

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