Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Targeted Radiofrequency Therapy in Impingement Syndrome
Author(s)
Anita Ackermann, MSc1, Bálint Molics, PhD1, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD2, Péter Tardi, PhD1.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Impingement syndrome accounts for the largest proportion of shoulder pain diagnoses. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of targeted radiofrequency therapy and the combination of therapy with an exercise program in individuals with impingement syndrome, focusing on improving shoulder joint function, reducing pain, and increasing range of motion.
METHODS: This was a longitudinal, quantitative, prospective study. A total of 24 patients with impingement syndrome were included: 12 in the treatment group (KCS) and 12 in the treatment plus exercise group (KTCS). The KTCS group received an eight-week exercise program following three sessions of targeted radiofrequency therapy. Shoulder muscle strength, range of motion, pain intensity, and functional status were measured at baseline, after therapy, and (for KTCS) at the end of the exercise program.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the KCS group following treatment: active range of motion (aROM) (p ≤ 0.001), passive ROM (pROM) in flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation, adduction (p ≤ 0.001), extension (p ≤ 0.05); rotator cuff and deltoid strength (p ≤ 0.001); VAS scores (p ≤ 0.001); SPADI scores (p ≤ 0.001).
In the KTCS group, significant improvements were found after both therapy and exercise: aROM and pROM (p ≤ 0.001), shoulder strength (p ≤ 0.001), VAS (p ≤ 0.001), SPADI (p ≤ 0.001). Between-group differences favored KTCS for aROM, pROM, muscle strength, VAS, and SPADI (p ≤ 0.05-0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that targeted radiofrequency therapy, especially when combined with a structured exercise program, is effective in improving shoulder function and reducing pain in individuals with impingement syndrome.
METHODS: This was a longitudinal, quantitative, prospective study. A total of 24 patients with impingement syndrome were included: 12 in the treatment group (KCS) and 12 in the treatment plus exercise group (KTCS). The KTCS group received an eight-week exercise program following three sessions of targeted radiofrequency therapy. Shoulder muscle strength, range of motion, pain intensity, and functional status were measured at baseline, after therapy, and (for KTCS) at the end of the exercise program.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the KCS group following treatment: active range of motion (aROM) (p ≤ 0.001), passive ROM (pROM) in flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation, adduction (p ≤ 0.001), extension (p ≤ 0.05); rotator cuff and deltoid strength (p ≤ 0.001); VAS scores (p ≤ 0.001); SPADI scores (p ≤ 0.001).
In the KTCS group, significant improvements were found after both therapy and exercise: aROM and pROM (p ≤ 0.001), shoulder strength (p ≤ 0.001), VAS (p ≤ 0.001), SPADI (p ≤ 0.001). Between-group differences favored KTCS for aROM, pROM, muscle strength, VAS, and SPADI (p ≤ 0.05-0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that targeted radiofrequency therapy, especially when combined with a structured exercise program, is effective in improving shoulder function and reducing pain in individuals with impingement syndrome.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HSD49
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)