This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in managing calcaneal spur-related symptoms. These non-invasive modalities were compared in terms of their ability to reduce pain and improve functional outcomes. In this randomized clinical trial, patients diagnosed with calcaneal spur based on clinical and radiographic findings were randomly assigned to receive ESWT or HILT. Participants were randomized into two groups to receive either ESWT or HILT, complemented by standardized exercise regimens. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes were assessed with the Foot Function Index (FFI) at baseline, post-treatment, and three months post-treatment. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes. In the ESWT group, VAS scores for initial step pain decreased from 7.8 ± 1.0 to 4.0 ± 1.0 post-treatment and further to 3.4 ± 1.0 at three months (p = 0.002). The HILT group demonstrated a similar trend, with scores reducing from 7.5 ± 1.2 to 4.2 ± 1.1 post-treatment and 3.5 ± 0.9 at follow-up (p = 0.001). Total FFI scores improved significantly in both groups, with the ESWT group showing a larger reduction (58.8 to 19.7; p = 0.033) compared to the HILT group (57.4 to 35.4; p = 0.046). No significant adverse events were reported in either group. ESWT and HILT are effective non-invasive options for treating calcaneal spur with ESWT providing slightly greater functional benefits. Not applicable

Objectives: This study aims to investigate and compare the treatment efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) regarding pain management and functionality in patients with de Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT). Patients and methods: Between May 2022 and November 2022, a total of 60 patients with DQT (16 males, 34 females; mean age: 43.3±7.7 years; range, 18 to 65 years) were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as follows: Group A (ESWT, n=29) and Group B (HILT, n=31). The patients were asked to refrain from all types of exercise 24 h before the experiment. The pain level of the patients at the time of presentation was evaluated via Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the function outcome was evaluated with Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) before and after the treatment. Muscle strength was evaluated with a Jamar hand dynamometer, and an algometer was used to measure pressure pain threshold (PPT). The Global Assessment Scale (GAS) was used to measure the treatment success. Results: The intragroup comparisons revealed significant improvements in all parameters after the treatment in both groups (p<0.05). The VAS-rest score, the VAS-movement score, the QDASH score, pain-free grip strength (PFGS), and PPT showed a significant difference before treatment at three weeks and three months (p<0.01). The difference between the PPT values of the groups at three weeks was significant (p<0.01). The third-week PPT value of Group B was higher than the PPT value of Group A. The difference between GAS 1 and GAS 2 of both groups was statistically significant at three weeks and three months (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both ESWT and HILT treatments are safe and effective in DQT treatment. The ESWT is a recent, non-invasive therapeutic modality which is effective, convenient, and safe in DQT. On the other hand, HILT is a non-invasive, reliable method which has a greater effect on DQT.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the spinal cord, extending from the foramen magnum to the cauda equina, resulting from either traumatic or nontraumatic causes. The extent of functional impairment is closely associated with whether the injury is categorized as complete or incomplete, as well as its specific level. SCI exerts a multi-systemic impact on patients, leading to various complications including orthostatic hypotension, autonomic dysreflexia, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel dysfunction, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, fractures, deep vein thrombosis, spasticity, heterotopic ossification, contractures, and pulmonary and cardiovascular issues, in addition to depressive disorders. Timely initiation of rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in fostering patient independence and averting potential complications post-SCI. Employing an interdisciplinary approach is imperative in SCI rehabilitation due to its multifaceted nature. The rehabilitation journey following SCI is protracted and arduous, necessitating both the patient’s resilience and motivation. Our decision has been made to conduct a comprehensive review encompassing all facets of rehabilitation for SCI patients.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy of dry needling and balneotherapy in the treatment of trapezius muscle myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted between February 2020 and May 2020. One hundred twenty patients (23 males, 97 females; mean age: 42.3±6.8 years; range, 18 to 50 years) were divided into three groups: dry needling (Group 1), balneotherapy (Group 2), and dry needling + balneotherapy combination (Group 3). Pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical joint range of motion (ROM) using goniometry, mood using the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), anxiety levels using the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), fear of movement using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and quality of life using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The measurements were repeated before the treatment and at the first week and third month after the treatment. Results: There were significant improvements in all parameters after the treatment in all three groups (p<0.05). It was found that Group 1 was superior to Group 2 in terms of VAS (p=0.010), BDS (p<0.001), BAS (p=0.007), and NDI (p0.05). The highest level of well-being was detected in Group 3 (p<0.001) in the TKS values. Considering SF-36 scores, statistically more significant score increases occurred in dry needling groups (Group 1 and Group 3) than in the group that received only balneotherapy treatment (Group 2; p<0.005). Conclusion: Both dry needling and balneotherapy were effective in improving pain, cervical ROM, depressive mood, anxiety, kinesiophobia, functionality, and quality of life scores in MPS. Combination of these two methods increased the success of the treatment.