Effects of local microwave diathermy on shoulder pain and function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy in comparison to subacromial corticosteroid injections: a single-blind randomized trial

92 patients who required treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy were randomized to receive conventional subacromial corticosteroid injections or hyperthermia to determine its effect on shoulder disability, function, and pain following treatment. QuickDASH, Constant, and VAS-pain scores were recorded over 24 weeks. The results indicated that both groups demonstrated an improvement from baseline measures; however, the groups did not differ at any time point. This study illustrated that hyperthermia may be used as an alternative modality in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy.