Comparing manual therapy and shock wave treatment for shoulder pain
Comparison of Manual Therapy Versus Low-medium Energy Radial Shock Waves in the Treatment of Subacromial Syndrome in a Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing whether manual therapy or shock wave treatment is better at relieving shoulder pain for people with subacromial syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alcala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT06587399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with specific shoulder conditions such as instability, frozen shoulder, or complete rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid
- Alcalá University — Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David Varillas Hernández, PhD
- Email: davvarher@gmail.com
- Phone: +34 918855142
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.