Using shock wave therapy to treat lower limb lymphedema

Lower Limb Lymphedema Treatment by Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: Clinical Trial

NA · Parc de Salut Mar · NCT06454734

This study is testing if adding shock wave therapy to regular treatments can help people with lower limb lymphedema feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorParc de Salut Mar (other)
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT06454734 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of shock wave therapy combined with complex decongestive therapy for patients suffering from lower limb lymphedema. It involves a double-blind, randomized design with two groups: one receiving the active shock wave therapy and the other receiving a placebo. Both groups will undergo standard treatments including manual lymphatic drainage and compression, with a total of 10 sessions over 5 weeks. The study aims to assess the impact of shock wave therapy on lymphedema symptoms and overall patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with moderate to severe lower limb lymphedema lasting at least 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulation disorders, recent deep vein thrombosis, or those unable to walk independently may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the management of lower limb lymphedema, enhancing patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of shock wave therapy is a novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Patients with lower limb lymphedema
* Lymphedema of at least 6 months of evolution
* The lymphedema must affect at least the knee to the foot
* Moderate or severe lymphedema (grades 2 or 3)
* Sign the informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Under 18 years of age
* Coagulation disorders (hemophilia, treatment with acenocoumarol, etc.)
* Current or previous deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity
* Pregnancy
* Electronic implantable medical devices as pacemaker implants, medication pumps, etc
* Having received treatment with complex decongestive therapy or shock waves during the last 6 months
* Treatment with corticosteroids or radiotherapy in the area to be treated in the last 6 weeks
* Active oncological disease in the area to be treated
* Active infectious-inflammatory process in the area to be treated
* Cognitive or sensory deficits that prevent collaboration
* Inability to walk independently or inability to attend therapy

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lymphedema, Lower Limb

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.