Using shock wave therapy and exercise for axillary web syndrome

The Combined Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave and a Tailored Exercise Program on Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery With Axillary Dissection: A Comparative, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT05920369

This study is testing whether combining shock wave therapy with exercise can help women aged 40 to 65 with axillary web syndrome feel better and move their shoulders more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment93 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Cairo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05920369 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves 93 female patients aged 40 to 65 with axillary web syndrome, randomly assigned to three groups. Group A receives both low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy and a tailored exercise program, Group B receives only the shock wave therapy, and Group C receives only the exercise program. The effectiveness of these interventions will be assessed by measuring shoulder range of motion, pain intensity, and other relevant outcomes at baseline and four weeks post-intervention. The randomization and outcome assessments are conducted by trained professionals to ensure objectivity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 40 to 65 who have been diagnosed with axillary web syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with metastases, lymphedema, traumatic injuries, or other specified conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients suffering from axillary web syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of shock wave therapy and tailored exercise for axillary web syndrome is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in other rehabilitation contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* female
* between the ages of 40 and 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* metastases of any kind
* lymphedema,
* a traumatic injury to the targeted upper extremity
* a musculoskeletal disorder
* taking any anticoagulants
* had undergone bilateral breast cancer surgery
* experienced locoregional recurrence
* had vascular problems in the affected upper extremity

Where this trial is running

Cairo and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Axillary Web Syndromeaxillary web syndromeshock waveexercisesbreast cancer surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.