Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for shoulder tendon pain

Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy Delivered Via the Super Inductive System (SIS) Combined With Balneophysiotherapy in Patients With Shoulder Tendinopathies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will test whether adding PEMF treatment with the Super Inductive System to a multimodal rehabilitation program helps adults with chronic shoulder tendinopathy feel less pain and improve function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Balnear and Rehabilitation Sanatorium Techirghiol (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Constanța, Techirghiol)
• Trial ID: NCT07550543 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with chronic, non‑traumatic shoulder tendinopathy receive a multimodal rehabilitation program including balneophysiotherapy and are assigned to either standard care alone or the same program supplemented with SIS‑delivered PEMF therapy. Outcomes collected include pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, shoulder function, muscle strength, psychological status, and quality of life using standardized measures aligned with ICF and OMERACT domains. The intervention is noninvasive and delivered on site at the rehabilitation sanatorium, with follow‑up assessments to compare clinical changes between groups. The study aims to determine whether adding PEMF provides measurable benefit beyond standard balneophysiotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with chronic (>3 months), non‑traumatic shoulder tendinopathy or subacromial pain syndrome who have persistent symptoms despite prior conservative treatment and can attend on‑site sessions are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with full‑thickness rotator cuff tears requiring surgery, recent major shoulder trauma, implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker), active systemic inflammatory/rheumatologic disease, neurological disorders affecting the arm, or other contraindications to balneophysiotherapy are unlikely to participate or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, adding PEMF could reduce pain and improve shoulder function and quality of life beyond standard balneophysiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Some small trials and preclinical studies suggest PEMF can reduce musculoskeletal pain and aid recovery, but high‑quality evidence specifically for shoulder tendinopathy is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged between 18 and 70 years.
* Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting more than 3 months, of non-traumatic origin, persistent despite prior conservative treatment.
* Clinical diagnosis of shoulder tendinopathy and/or subacromial pain syndrome based on medical history and physical examination.
* Presence of shoulder pain and functional limitation confirmed by clinical assessment and baseline functional evaluation (SPADI).
* Ability to comply with the treatment protocol and attend scheduled follow-up assessments.
* Provision of written informed consent prior to participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Full-thickness rotator cuff tears with surgical indication.
* Recent major shoulder trauma (within the last 6 months).
* Active systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases.
* Presence of metallic implants in the treatment area or implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker).
* Neurological disorders affecting the upper limb.
* Contraindications to balneotherapy (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease, renal failure, severe dermatological conditions).
* Decompensated chronic diseases at the time of enrollment (cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, or neurological).
* Skin lesions at the site of treatment application.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Active neoplastic disease.
* Decompensated psychiatric disorders.
* History of hypersensitivity to natural therapeutic factors used in balneotherapy.
* Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Constanța, Techirghiol

• Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium of Techirghiol — Constanța, Techirghiol, Romania (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alexandra E Ciota, PhD Student

Conditions: Shoulder Tendinopathy, Nanopulsed Electromagnetic Field, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field, PEMF, Super Inductive System, Balneotherapy, Physiotherapy, Shoulder Pain