Using focused ultrasound to treat chronic tendon pain
Focused ultrasound-induced cavitation in elastic, anisotropic tissues: a treatment for tendinopathies
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-11135500
This project is developing a new focused ultrasound treatment for people experiencing long-lasting tendon pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135500 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people suffer from chronic tendon pain, and current treatments don't always work well, showing mixed results. This project is creating a novel focused ultrasound therapy that aims to overcome the limitations of existing treatments for tendon injuries. The approach uses sound waves to precisely induce microdamage, like separating and fraying collagen fibers, which could help promote healing within the tendon. Researchers are also developing integrated imaging techniques to accurately guide and monitor the treatment in real-time. This work builds on early findings in animal models that showed promising results in preserving tendon strength compared to traditional therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience chronic tendon pain lasting more than three months and have not found consistent relief from current treatments might be ideal candidates for future applications of this therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with acute tendon injuries or those whose pain is not related to the structural issues addressed by this specific ultrasound approach may not receive direct benefit from this particular treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new focused ultrasound therapy could offer a more effective, consistent, and precisely controlled way to treat chronic tendon pain, potentially reducing discomfort and improving function for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: While existing therapies like dry needling and shock wave therapy have shown mixed results, this project is developing a novel focused ultrasound approach with integrated monitoring, building on initial promising results in animal models.
Where this research is happening
UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE — UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIMON, JULIANNA — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- Study coordinator: SIMON, JULIANNA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.