Comparing two treatments for Achilles tendinopathy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research compares the effectiveness of two treatment approaches for patients with Achilles tendinopathy. One group will receive a combination of eccentric exercise, stretching, manual therapy, and electrical dry needling, while the other group will receive only eccentric exercise, stretching, and manual therapy. Patients will be randomized to receive 8-10 treatments over a period of 6 weeks. The goal is to determine which treatment strategy yields better outcomes for pain relief and functional improvement.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult \>18 years old that is able to speak English.
2. Report of at least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy
3. Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months:
4. Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy, defined as the following

   * Subjective report of pain located 2-6 cm proximal to the insertion of Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, particularly with running or jumping
   * Tenderness to palpation of the Achilles tendon while the clinician gently squeezes the tendon between the thumb and index finger in a proximal to distal direction
   * Positive Arc Sign - Intratendinous swelling moves relative to the malleoli with the tendon during active dorsi/plantar Flexion
   * Royal London Test - Tenderness to palpation decreases significantly or disappears with max dorsiflexion

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: hypertension infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe vascular disease, malignancy, etc.
2. History of previous Achilles tendon surgery, ankle arthrodesis, hind foot fracture, or leg length discrepancy of more than one half inch.
3. History of arthrosis or arthritis of the ankle and/or foot.
4. History of significant ankle and/or foot instability
5. Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any two of the following:

   1. Muscle weakness involving a major lower extremity muscle group
   2. Diminished lower extremity patella or Achilles tendon reflexes
   3. Diminished / absent sensation in any lower extremity dermatome
6. Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation regarding foot pain
7. Any condition that might contraindicate the use of electro-needling
8. The patient is pregnant.

Where it's running

• Prisma Health - Research PT Specialists
  Columbia, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: James Dunning, DPT — American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
• Study coordinator: James Dunning, DPT
• Email: jamesdunning@hotmail.com
• Phone: 18017079056

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Hyaluronic Acid vs Platelet-R-rich Plasma for Chronic Tendinopathy and Enthesopathy

  This study tests whether injections of hyaluronic acid or autologous platelet-rich plasma can help people with chronic tendon and enthesis problems in the elbow or Achilles area.

  Recruiting Ortonika Orthopedic Medical Clinic in Lublin · Lublin, Lublin Voivodeship · NCT07714811

• Single-row versus double-row repair for Achilles insertional tendinopathy

  This trial tests whether a single-row or a double-row repair at the Achilles insertion sustains better outcomes for adults with chronic insertional tendinopathy after non-surgical treatments fail.

  Recruiting Women's College Hospital · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07323875

• Early plyometric exercises for Achilles, patellar, and plantar tendinopathy rehabilitation

  This trial will test whether adding early plyometric exercises to standard heavy, slow resistance training helps adults (18–50) who run or play jumping sports with Achilles, patellar, or plantar tendinopathy recover jump function and avoid re-injury.

  Recruiting Aalborg University · Aalborg · NCT06774547

• Progressive Achilles-loading program with remote clinician support

  This trial tests whether a single telehealth visit plus self-guided exercise and education works as well as multiple telehealth physical therapy visits for adults with Achilles tendon pain.

  Recruiting University of Iowa · Iowa City, Iowa and 1 other locations · NCT06736795

• Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy with Collagen and Physiotherapy

  This study tests if a new collagen treatment combined with physiotherapy can help people with Achilles tendinopathy feel less pain and move better compared to just physiotherapy alone.

  Recruiting Guna S.p.a · Roma, RO · NCT05464498

• Using electrolysis to treat Achilles tendon pain

  This study tests if a new treatment using electric currents along with specific exercises can help adults with Achilles tendon pain feel better and move more easily.

  Recruiting Maimonides University · Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D. · NCT05301959

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.