Focused Shockwave Therapy for neck and shoulder pain
Official title: Effectiveness of Second-Generation Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Combined With Ultrasonographic Assessment in Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Neck and Shoulder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare · NCT07660523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 60-person study tests whether focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and improve function in adults with chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain compared with a home exercise program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07660523 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 20 years with chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain predominantly in the upper trapezius or levator scapulae who have not recently received other neck pain treatments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose pain is driven by non-muscular causes or who do not respond to shockwave therapy may not experience meaningful benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized trial compares second-generation focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy to a home-based neck exercise program in adults with chronic myofascial pain of the neck and shoulder. Participants receive one treatment session weekly for three weeks in the shockwave group, while the control group follows a standardized home exercise plan to improve neck mobility. Ultrasound imaging is used to explore objective changes in muscle structure and function alongside patient-reported outcomes. The study aims to determine if shockwave therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and demonstrate detectable muscle changes with imaging. Results may inform noninvasive options for managing neck and shoulder myofascial pain and guide future research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants receiving shockwave therapy might experience reduced pain and improved neck and shoulder function.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies with similar approaches suggest potential pain relief, but evidence for second-generation focused shockwave therapy in this specific region is still evolving.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults older than 20 years. * Clinical diagnosis of nonspecific neck and shoulder pain primarily arising from muscles and soft tissues in the upper trapezius or levator scapulae region, as determined by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. * Neck and shoulder pain lasting for at least 3 months. * Neck Disability Index score greater than 5. * No use of analgesic medication or muscle relaxants within the previous month. * No injection therapy, physical therapy, or other treatment for neck and shoulder pain within the previous month. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Neck or shoulder pain caused by a neurologic disorder, including cervical radiculopathy. * Clinical or imaging diagnosis of cervical degenerative joint disease. * History of a rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. * History of head or neck trauma. * History of cervical spine surgery. * History of whiplash injury. * Pregnancy. * Current or previous malignancy considered clinically relevant to shockwave therapy. * Bleeding disorder. * Current use of anticoagulant medication, including warfarin. * Acute inflammation or infection at the treatment site. * Implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. * Any other condition judged by the study physician to make participation or focused shockwave therapy inappropriate or unsafe.
Where it's running
-
CiShan hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chia-Yu Wei, M.S.
- Email: ivywei@chis.mohw.gov.tw
- Phone: +886-7-6613811
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Tele-rehabilitation for rhomboid trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome
This trial tests whether tele-rehabilitation with self-myofascial release and exercise can reduce neck pain and improve function in adults with rhomboid trigger points.
-
Three treatment options for myofascial back pain
This trial will test whether dry needling, shock wave therapy (ESWT), or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–65 with chronic myofascial back pain.
-
Reflex therapy and dry needling for jaw muscle and joint pain
This trial will try adding dry needling to standard rehabilitation to see if adults with functional temporomandibular (jaw) pain get less pain, better jaw movement, and improved quality of life.
-
PRP pharmacopuncture for chronic neck pain from upper trapezius myofascial syndrome
This trial will try a single Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) pharmacopuncture injection to see if it reduces chronic neck pain and improves function in adults with upper trapezius myofascial pain.
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.