Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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An abnormal increase in spontaneous neurotransmission can induce subsynaptic knots in the myocyte called myofascial trigger points. The treatment of choice is to destroy these trigger points by inserting needles. However, 10% of the population has a phobia of needles, blood, or injuries. Therefore, the objective of this study is to verify the usefulness of shock waves in the treatment of myofascial trigger points. ⋯ Shock waves seem to be a suitable treatment for myofascial trigger points. In the present study, with a single session of shock waves, very relevant results have been obtained, both functional (normalization of spontaneous neurotransmission) and morphological (disappearance of myofascial trigger points). Patients with a phobia of needles, blood, or injuries who cannot benefit from dry needling may turn to noninvasive radial shock wave treatment.