Comparing blood flow restriction, shockwave, eccentric and routine physical therapies for supraspinatus tendinitis

Anatomical Evaluation of Supraspinatus Through Ultrasonography and Biomechanical Measurements Following Different Combinations of Physical Therapies in Patients of Supraspinatus Tendinitis

This trial will test whether different physical therapies—blood flow restriction, extracorporeal shockwave, eccentric training, or routine physiotherapy—help adults aged 40 to 60 with unilateral supraspinatus tendinitis reduce pain and improve tendon health, strength, and function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Sehat Medical Complex (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
• Trial ID: NCT07470190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 120 patients with unilateral supraspinatus tendinitis and randomize them across two related four-arm comparisons: Trial I (BFRT vs ESWT vs BFRT+ESWT vs routine physiotherapy) and Trial II (BFRT vs eccentric training vs BFRT+eccentric vs routine physiotherapy). Outcome measures include musculoskeletal ultrasound tendon thickness, goniometry for range of motion, pain pressure threshold, dynamometer-measured strength, and functional indices collected at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The interventions are delivered at Sehat Medical Complex with blinded outcome measurement and statistical analysis performed in SPSS. The goal is to determine whether single therapies or their combinations produce greater anatomical and biomechanical improvement of the supraspinatus.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 40–60 with unilateral shoulder pain up to 3 months, two positive impingement/empty-can tests, no physiotherapy in the past 3 months, and who have not taken NSAIDs for the prior 15 days are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with referred shoulder pain, active limited ROM under 90°, prior shoulder surgery or intra-articular injections within 6 months, uncontrolled hypertension, active wounds or recent pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less pain, improved supraspinatus tendon structure, greater shoulder strength, and better daily function compared with routine therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous single-modality trials have shown benefit of BFRT, ESWT, or eccentric loading for tendinopathies and some rotator cuff conditions, but combining these specific therapies for supraspinatus tendinitis is largely untested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* unilateral shoulder pain
* both gender group
* two positive tests of (Neer impingement test, Hawkins-Kendy test, Empty can test),
* shoulder pain history up to 3 months
* not receiving any physiotherapy last 3 months.
* not receiving pain medications (NSAIDS) for last 15 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

* referred shoulder pain
* limited shoulder ROM less then 90 degree
* previous shoulder surgery, intra articular injection or nerve block last 6 months.
* patient with 180 mmHg blood pressure/uncontrolled BP
* upper limb fracture, uncontrolled diabetes, open wounds, fistula and vascular surgery.
* pregnant woman or 6 month history of pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

• Sehat Medical Complex/UOL/UVAS — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: imran Ghafoor, M Phil

Conditions: Supraspinatus Tendinitis