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Despite the increasing interest in RF (Radiofrequency) therapy, little is known about its effectiveness for low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 4.4-MHz RF diathermy compared to ultrasound (US) in patients with LBP. One-hundred-and-eighteen patients with LBP were randomized with RF (n = 62) or US (n = 56). Investigator and subjects were blinded to the treatment group. Either RF (4.4 MHz, 45 W/cm2) or US (1 MHz, 2 W/cm2) was applied for 10 to 15 min, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, %). Secondary outcomes were numeric rating scale (NRS), Biering–Sorensen test, up-and-go test, successful pain relief, and successful functional improvement. Clinical outcomes were evaluated prior to intervention (baseline), and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Both groups observed a significant improvement of ODI (%), NRS, Biering–Sorensen test, and up-and-go test at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were found between groups. The RF group showed a higher proportion of successful pain relief at 12 weeks after treatment than the US group (p = 0.048). The RF diathermy showed favorable results in pain reduction, improvement of function, mobility, and back muscle endurance. Compared with US, RF diathermy obtained slightly better perception of patients in pain relief at 12 weeks after treatment. The results from this study indicated that 4.4-MHz RF diathermy can effectively be used as a conservative treatment option for patients with LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous outcome studies for extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have included clinically diagnosed greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). The purpose of this study is to investigate outcome of ESWT on GTPS with gluteal tendinopathy documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Medical records of 38 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed, who underwent ESWT for GTPS with MRI-documented gluteal tendinopathy (> 6 months). ESWT was conducted (1/week) when the Roles-Maudsley score (RMS) showed “Poor” or “Fair” grade after conservative treatment until RMS had reached “Good” or “Excellent” grade (treatment success) or until 12 treatments had been applied. Numeric rating scale (NRS) and RMS were evaluated before, 1 week after (immediate follow-up) and mean 27 months after ESWT program (long-term follow-up). Success rate was calculated at each follow-up point. Results: Initial NRS (5.9 ± 1.6) significantly decreased at immediate (2.5 ± 1.5, p< 0.01) and long-term follow-up (3.3 ± 3.0, p< 0.01), respectively. Success rates were 83.3% (immediate) and 55.6% (long-term), respectively. There was no correlation among age, symptom duration and NRS. Conclusion: Low-energy ESWT can be an effective treatment for pain relief in chronic GTPS with MRI-documented gluteal tendinopathy. However, its long-term effect appears to decrease with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]