Comparing manual therapy and shock wave treatment for shoulder pain
Official title: Comparison of Manual Therapy Versus Low-medium Energy Radial Shock Waves in the Treatment of Subacromial Syndrome in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by University of Alcala · NCT06587399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether manual therapy or shock wave treatment is better at relieving shoulder pain for people with subacromial syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alcala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06587399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing unilateral shoulder pain for at least three months, with a pain level of 4/10 or higher on the Visual Analogue Scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with specific shoulder conditions such as instability, frozen shoulder, or complete rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy and radial shock wave therapy in treating shoulder pain caused by subacromial syndrome. A total of 88 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either manual therapy, which includes ischemic pressure, joint mobilizations, and myofascial techniques, or low-med energy radial shock wave therapy, both over a period of 6 weeks. The study will evaluate which treatment method provides better relief from pain and improves shoulder function. Participants will also engage in a 12-week home-based therapy program following their treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective treatment option for shoulder pain, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While manual therapy is a well-established treatment for shoulder pain, the use of shock wave therapy in this context is less common, making this approach somewhat novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral shoulder pain with no history of trauma. * Pain of at least 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale for a minimum period of 3 months. * Be positive in at least 3 of the following 5 tests: painful arc test, Neer impingement test, Hawkins-Kennedy test, Jobe test, external rotation test against resistance for the infraspinatus tendon. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of red flags. * Diagnosis of shoulder instability. * Diagnosis of frozen shoulder. * Diagnosis of complete rupture of the common rotator cuff tendon. * Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. * Diagnosis of whiplash. * Diagnosis of degenerative disease of the glenohumeral joint.
Where it's running
-
Alcalá University
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David Varillas Hernández, PhD
- Email: davvarher@gmail.com
- Phone: +34 918855142
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Functional electrical stimulation plus shoulder exercises for older adults with rotator cuff pain
In older adults with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain, this study tests whether adding functional electrical stimulation to a shoulder exercise program improves muscle coordination and reduces impingement compared with exercises alone.
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Nociplastic Pain in SAPS: A Look at Pain Types in Shoulder Pain
This study tests how common nociplastic pain is among people with subacromial pain syndrome who have shoulder pain for at least 3 months.
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Pain phenotype and response to corticosteroid injection in SAPS
This study tests whether people with subacromial pain syndrome who have a nociplastic pain pattern respond differently to a corticosteroid injection than those without that pattern.
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Spinal and Kaltenborn mobilization for a stiff shoulder (frozen shoulder)
A randomized trial tests spinal mobilization with arm movement and Kaltenborn mobilization to see if they reduce pain and improve motion and function in people with adhesive capsulitis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.