EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF MUSCLE TIGHTNESS

Thirty healthy individuals with calf tightness were included in this study who were randomly allocated into three groups (ESWT, stretching and ESWT with stretching).  The study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of ESWT on muscle tightness, static strength and myofascial trigger points.  The effects were compared by ankle dorsiflexion ROM through weight-bearing lunge position using distance-to-wall technique and in non-weight bearing position using goniometer.  Pain and static strength of calf muscle were measured using a seated calf-raise machine and f-meter respectively.  The assessments were done before intervention, immediately after the intervention and at the end of 4 th week after the 3week intervention. The result demonstrated that ESWT group and ESWT with stretching group demonstrated an increase in ROM and significant improvements were achieved in the mean intensity of trigger points when compared to the stretching group.