Comparing hydrocortisone phonophoresis and iontophoresis for shoulder impingement

Effect Of Hydrocortisone Phonophoresis Versus Iontophoresis In Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

This study tests whether using hydrocortisone with phonophoresis or iontophoresis can help people with shoulder impingement feel better and move their shoulder more easily after other treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Horus University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Damieta)
• Trial ID: NCT05919121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrocortisone phonophoresis versus iontophoresis in treating patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Participants will undergo therapeutic exercises combined with either phonophoresis or iontophoresis to assess improvements in pain, function, range of motion, and shoulder strength. The study focuses on patients who have not responded adequately to conservative treatments and have specific clinical signs of SIS. By comparing these two methods, the study seeks to identify the most effective approach for managing this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 diagnosed with unilateral stage II subacromial impingement syndrome who have not responded to conservative NSAID treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as frozen shoulder, arthritis, or previous shoulder surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from subacromial impingement syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in the management of shoulder pain, this specific comparison of hydrocortisone phonophoresis and iontophoresis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All patients were diagnosed as unilateral SIS with stage II Neer classification \> 3 months.
2. Positive impingement sign (Neer's test or Hawkins-Kennedy test), / painful arc during active arm elevation, pain or weakness with resisted isometric external rotation or resisted scapular plane abduction with the humeral internal rotation (empty can test)
3. The age of patients ranged from 18 - 60 years old.
4. Both genders will be involved.
5. Shoulder pain scores more than 5 on a numeric rate scale for pain of 0- 10.
6. Failure to respond to conservative NSAID.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Frozen shoulders.
2. Arthritis of the shoulder.
3. Shoulder instability.
4. Pregnant women.
5. A pacemaker.
6. Previous shoulder surgery.
7. History of dislocation of the shoulder.
8. Internal metallic fixation.
9. Malignancy.
10. Previous corticosteroid injection.
11. Rheumatoid arthritis
12. Partial or Full thickness tear of the rotator cuff.
13. Cervical radiculopathy.
14. Physiotherapeutic shoulder treatment within the last 3 months.
15. The patients will randomly be assigned into 3 equal groups, 20 patients for each group.

Where this trial is running

Damieta

• Outpatient clinic faculty of physical therapy, horus university, egypt — Damieta, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mohsen Ibrahim — Horus University in Egypt
• Study coordinator: Mohsen Ibrahim

Conditions Impingement Syndrome; Subacromial Impingement Syndrome