The Effectiveness of Physical Agents for Lower-Limb Soft Tissue Injuries: A Systematic Review

23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review to determine the efficacy and safety of physical agents for patients with plantar fasciitis (n=13 RCTs), ankle sprains (n=4 RCTs), Achilles tendinopathy (n=3 RCTs), and patellofemoral pain syndrome (n=3 RCTs). All included trials were reported to contain low risks of bias. Qualitative analysis indicated favorable outcomes for pain and function outcomes with the use of ultrasound and foot orthoses for persistent plantar fasciitis and shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy. The use of shockwave therapy for recent plantar fasciitis, low-Dye taping for persistent plantar fasciitis, low-level laser therapy for recent ankle sprains, and splints for Achilles tendinopathy did not provide clinical benefit. Results on the use of shockwave therapy for persistent plantar fasciitis, cryotherapy or assistive devices for recent ankle sprains, braces for Achilles tendinopathy, and taping or electric muscle stimulation treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome were inconclusive.