Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has shown potential in reducing post-stroke limb spasticity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of focused ESWT on shoulder internal rotator spasticity in post-stroke patients.
Patients aged 18 years or older with unilateral cerebral stroke.
Restricted passive external rotation of the spastic shoulder by more than 20 degrees.
A Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1 or higher for shoulder internal rotator spasticity.
Stable medical condition and vital signs.
History of two or more strokes, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or other cerebral disorders.
Coexisting central nervous system disorders (e.g., spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease) or other musculoskeletal conditions affecting muscle tone assessment.
Ineligibility for shock wave intervention due to malignancies, coagulation disorders, localized infections, or presence of a pacemaker.
Prior shock wave intervention or botulinum toxin injection for post-stroke spasticity within the past three months.