Using shock wave therapy to reduce muscle stiffness in the trapezius

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness Assessed Using Shear-Wave Elastography

Not applicable Interventional University of Primorska · NCT06934668

This study is testing if a single session of shock wave therapy can help reduce muscle stiffness and discomfort in the upper trapezius for healthy adults aged 18 to 45.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Primorska Academic / other
Locations1 site (Izola)
Trial IDNCT06934668 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on stiffness in the upper trapezius muscle. Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 45 will undergo baseline measurements using shear-wave elastography (SWE) before receiving ESWT treatment. Post-treatment measurements will assess any changes in muscle stiffness immediately after the intervention. The goal is to determine if a single session of ESWT can improve muscle function and reduce discomfort in this area.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 45 with no musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with recent neck or shoulder pain, myofascial pain syndrome, or those who have had neck or shoulder surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a non-invasive treatment option for improving muscle function and alleviating discomfort in the upper trapezius region.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of ESWT for trapezius muscle stiffness is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using ESWT for other musculoskeletal conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 45 years
* Healthy individuals with no current musculoskeletal or neurological disorders
* No history of neck or shoulder surgery
* Willingness to abstain from vigorous upper-body exercise 24 hours prior to -measurements

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of neck or shoulder pain within the past 3 months
* Diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia
* History of cervical spine injury or neurological conditions affecting upper limbs
* Use of analgesic or muscle relaxant medication within 48 hours prior to testing
* Pregnancy
* Contraindications to ESWT (e.g., bleeding disorders, pacemaker, malignancy in treatment area)

Where this trial is running

Izola

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 Muscle Stiffness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.