Eficácia da terapia por ondas de choque no tratamento da fascite plantar em comparação a outras intervenções: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

The plantar fascia, a fibrous structure that supports the arch of the foot, can develop plantar fasciitis due to microtrauma, causing heel pain. It mainly affects adults aged 40–60 years, athletes, and people who spend long periods of time standing. Shockwave therapy is used for tissue regeneration and pain relief in patients with plantar fasciitis, but its efficacy is still debated. This study aims to evaluate its efficacy compared to other treatments, aiding in clinical decision-making. Methods: This is an integrative review study. In the first stage, the research question was formulated using the PICO strategy. Subsequently, articles were searched in the PEDro, MEDLINE, through the PubMed search engine, and LILACS, through the BVS search engine, using the following descriptors found from the search on the DEcS platform: HESW, high energy shock wave, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, pain, and plantar fasciitis. Results: 365 articles were found in the databases, of which only 34 were selected for full reading. In the end, only 5 articles were included. Conclusion: Shockwave therapy has shown efficacy in improving pain, function and thickness of the plantar fascia. However, standardized studies are needed to confirm its superiority over other techniques. The efficacy of the treatment will depend directly on the goals defined between the patient and the physical therapist.