Mesotherapy versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for tennis elbow
Official title: Comparison of the Efficacy of Mesotherapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital · NCT07043335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether mesotherapy works as well as extracorporeal shock wave therapy to reduce pain and improve function in adults (18–65) with tennis elbow.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07043335 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with unilateral lateral epicondylitis for at least six weeks who can attend five weekly outpatient treatment sessions and do not have the listed exclusions are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent elbow injections or physical therapy, prior elbow surgery or fracture, chronic inflammatory disease, active infection, coagulation disorders, pacemakers or electronic implants, pregnancy, cervical radiculopathy, BMI > 35, or other listed exclusions were not included and are unlikely to benefit from the comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind trial enrolled adults with unilateral lateral epicondylitis and randomized them by closed envelope to receive five weekly sessions of either mesotherapy or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Pain and function were measured before treatment, 30 minutes after the final session, and at 12 weeks using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and a Short Form health survey. Key exclusions included recent elbow injections or physical therapy, certain comorbidities, pregnancy, electronic implants, and BMI > 35. The trial took place at the outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic of Haydarpasa Numune Research and Training Hospital in Istanbul.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, mesotherapy could provide an alternative treatment option that reduces pain and improves arm function for people with tennis elbow.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials of ESWT for tennis elbow have shown mixed but generally favorable results, whereas mesotherapy has far fewer high-quality comparative data and remains less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Pain and tenderness in the unilateral lateral epicondyle for ≥6 weeks * Clinically diagnosed with Lateral Epicondylitis * Patients without cognitive deficits who can follow verbal instructions Exclusion Criteria * Receiving an interventional injection in the elbow region within the last 3 months * Receiving physical therapy in the last 3 months * Receiving regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment in the last 2 weeks * History of fracture or surgery in the affected elbow region * Chronic inflammatory diseases * Acute infection * History of malignancy * Coagulation disorders * Pregnancy * Presence of a pacemaker or electronic implants * Cervical radiculopathy and entrapment neuropathy * Drug allergies * BMI \> 35
Where it's running
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Health Science University Haydarpasa Numune Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Uskudar 34668
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Berna Gunay, Medical doctor
- Email: bernagunay@yahoo.com
- Phone: +905354133047
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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.