Ultrasound-Guided Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
Official title: Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Run by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital · NCT07756307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test is checking whether ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy can help people with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder feel less pain and regain function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07756307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20-70 with unilateral calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, symptoms for over 3 months, and a calcific deposit larger than 5 mm on imaging.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, recent shoulder surgery, infection, pregnancy, or other exclusions may not benefit from this therapy.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study uses ultrasound to guide non-invasive shock wave therapy aimed at promoting calcific deposit resorption in the shoulder tendons. Eligible adults with chronic, unilateral calcific tendinitis and moderate pain will receive ESWT targeting the calcium deposits. The goal is to determine whether this approach provides meaningful pain relief and improved shoulder function, with safety monitored throughout. The trial relies on imaging to confirm deposit size and location, and employs standard clinical assessments to track outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced shoulder pain and better range of motion, potentially shortening disability from calcific tendinitis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows variable success with ESWT for calcific tendinitis, ranging from about 47% to 87%, indicating potential but not guaranteed benefit.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 20 and 70 years * Unilateral calcific tendinitis of the shoulder confirmed by clinical physical examination, including a positive Neer's impingement test * Symptom duration of more than 3 months * Imaging (radiography and/or high-resolution ultrasound) demonstrating a calcific deposit within a rotator cuff tendon with a maximal diameter greater than 5 mm * Baseline self-reported pain intensity greater than 4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10) * Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant full-thickness rotator cuff tear * History of fracture or surgery involving the ipsilateral shoulder * Coagulopathy, or anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely discontinued * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Malignancy, particularly involving or adjacent to the shoulder region * Local infection or skin lesion at the intended treatment site * Injection therapy to the ipsilateral shoulder within the preceding 6 weeks * Any other condition that, in the judgment of the investigator, makes the participant unsuitable for participation in the trial
Where it's running
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Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University
Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shih-Wei Huang, MD
- Email: shihwei@tmu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886970747556
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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MRI-based classification of shoulder calcific deposits to guide treatment
This study will try a new MRI-based way to classify calcific shoulder deposits to see if deposit location relates to treatment choices for patients who had surgery for calcific tendinitis.
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Using Doppler Ultrasound to Treat Calcified Tendinitis
This study is testing if using Doppler ultrasound can help people with painful calcium deposits in their shoulder feel better and move more easily.
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Electroacupuncture with vacuum cupping for shoulder tendinitis
This study will test whether adding vacuum cupping to electroacupuncture reduces pain and improves shoulder movement in adults (18–70) with rotator cuff or long-head-of-biceps tendinitis and moderate pain.
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Comparing hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid injections for shoulder tendinitis
This study is testing whether adding hyaluronic acid injections to corticosteroid injections can help people with shoulder tendinitis feel less pain compared to just using corticosteroids alone.
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.