Adding shock wave therapy to physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection for frozen shoulder

Is Adding Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy to Physiotherapy and Corticosteroid Injection Beneficial for Frozen Shoulder?

This study is testing if adding shock wave therapy to regular treatments for frozen shoulder can help people feel better and move their shoulder more easily.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 94 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei)
• Trial ID: NCT06491745 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as an adjunct treatment for patients with frozen shoulder, alongside corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. The study will recruit 94 participants aged 20 to 80 who have experienced shoulder pain for at least one month and have significant loss of motion. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the ESWT group, receiving four sessions of ESWT, or a SHAM group, receiving minimal energy treatment. The aim is to determine if ESWT can enhance recovery compared to standard treatments alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 80 with shoulder pain lasting over one month and a significant loss of passive range of motion.

Not a fit: Patients with severe systemic disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent shoulder injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain relief and range of motion for patients suffering from frozen shoulder.

How similar studies have performed: While the effectiveness of ESWT in treating frozen shoulder has not been well established, there is emerging evidence supporting its use in other musculoskeletal disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 20 to 80 years old;
2. shoulder pain for ≥ 1 month;
3. \> 30% loss of passive range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder in external rotation and/or abduction, comparing with the sound side;
4. pain visual analog scale on maximal passive external rotation or abduction \> 4;
5. showing willing to receive ESWT, shoulder joint injection, and attend regular physical therapy programs for 8 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. severe systemic disorders including cancer, stroke, or cardiopulmonary diseases;
2. uncontrolled DM;
3. rotator cuff tear or calcification of the affected shoulder;
4. fracture, dislocation, or arthritis of the shoulder due to rheumatic disorders;
5. a history of drug allergy to local anesthetics or corticosteroids;
6. pregnancy;
7. receiving ESWT, corticosteroid joint or bursa injection of the affected shoulder during the preceding three months

Where this trial is running

Taipei

• Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lin-Fen Hsieh — Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
• Study coordinator: Lin-Fen Hsieh

Conditions: Frozen Shoulder, Corticosteroid Injection, Physical Therapy, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Rehabilitation, Frozen shoulder, corticosteroid injection, physical therapy