TeCAR therapy added to exercise for shoulder impingement syndrome
Official title: Effect of Adjunctive TECAR Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by May University in Cairo · NCT07919249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding TECAR therapy to a standard exercise program helps reduce shoulder pain and improve function in people with subacromial impingement syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | May University in Cairo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 4, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 20, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07919249 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 30–55 with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy and imaging-confirmed impingement, stable BMI 18.5–29.9, NPRS ≥4, and at least four positive impingement signs.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, prior shoulder surgery or certain joint conditions, recent corticosteroid injections, or other exclusions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this interventional study, researchers compare TECAR therapy combined with conventional exercises to placebo TECAR therapy with the same exercise program in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome. Outcomes include pain intensity, shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength. Participants are adults aged 30–55 with imaging-confirmed rotator cuff tendinopathy and chronic shoulder pain. The trial uses a randomized or controlled design with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to isolate the effects of TECAR therapy on the affected shoulder. Location is outpatient orthopedic clinics in Cairo, Egypt, led by May University in Cairo with Cairo University collaboration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TECAR therapy could offer added pain relief and improved shoulder function beyond exercises alone.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored energy-based therapies for musculoskeletal shoulder conditions, with mixed results; this approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Referred by an orthopedic physician with a clinical diagnosis (confirmed by imaging examination-magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound) of Tendinopathy of any muscle of the Rotator cuff and pain in the shoulders for at least 3 months * Participants ranged in age from 30 to 55 years old * Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)≥4: * Four of the following should be present in the included patients: Neer impingement test, Hawkins' test, Pain was replicated in the supraspinatus empty-can test, a painful arc of movement from 70° to 120°, and pain at the greater tuberosity of the humerus * BMI range 18.5- 29. 9 Kg/m². Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. * History of shoulder or rotator cuff surgery or fracture, glenohumeral joint dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis (affected side). * Pharmacological medical treatment that may interfere with the measurements; history of corticosteroid injections in the last three months. * Patients who received rehabilitation therapy in the last 3 months. * Patients who have symptoms of numbness or tingling in the upper extremity. * A history of the following: onset of symptoms due to traumatic injury. * Patients who have cognitive or psychiatric disorders or pregnancy. * Patients who have a positive Drop arm sign. * Patients who have cervical radiculopathy.
Where it's running
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outpatient orthopedic clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amgad Tamer Farhat Elkhyat
- Email: amgad.23110702@muc.edu.eg
- Phone: 01090005697
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study tests how common nociplastic pain is among people with subacromial pain syndrome who have shoulder pain for at least 3 months.
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Pain phenotype and response to corticosteroid injection in SAPS
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Motor imagery and task-focused exercise for shoulder impingement
This program will try two added therapies—graded motor imagery or task-focused exercises—alongside standard electrotherapy to see if they reduce pain and improve shoulder movement and function in adults 25–65 with shoulder impingement.
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This project tries to see if tightness of the pectoralis minor muscle is linked to rotator cuff tears in adults aged 18–55 with shoulder 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.