Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Therapy For The Management Of Achilles Tendinopathy In Adults: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial

Achilles tendinopathy is a painful condition of the heel which affects the quality of life of athletes and lay people alike. It is associated with inflammation and degeneration of the tendon which can sometimes progress to partial or complete tendon rupture. Current treatments used to manage Achilles tendinopathy include exercise, insoles, braces and splints. Often these therapies complement anti-inflammatory drugs and injected corticosteroids in the management of symptoms, with surgery reserved for the most unresponsive cases. Of these therapies, studies have shown that eccentric exercise is the most effective in reducing pain and improving function of the tendon, however, it can take several months for this to occur. Pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic field therapy is the non-invasive and safe delivery of pulsed shortwave radio frequency energy in the 13 - 27.12 MHz frequency range and has been used for several years in the management of soft tissue and bony injuries in humans with variable outcomes. However, this treatment has not been investigated in patients with Achilles tendinopathy despite promising results using this therapy in recent animal laboratory studies of tendon injury. Therefore the purpose of this work is to conduct a literature review of electromagnetic field therapy applications in medical use and recommend a research proposal to assess if there is any benefit of using a wearable form of high frequency, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of Achilles tendon pain in adults.msc_pmeunpub1766_ethesesunpu