Effect of Adding Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy to Exercises in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Shoulder Pain, Supraspinatus Tendinopathy, Shoulder Dysfunction

In brief

Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, resulting in functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Exercise therapy is considered a first-line treatment; however, adjunct modalities such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may enhance recovery. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding ESWT to a rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercise program in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07390396

Run by

Deraya University

People needed

50

Starts

2025-12-15

Expected to finish

2026-05-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-02-05

Who can join

Age: 30 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Medically stable individuals who consent to participate in the study.
• Male and female participants aged between 30 and 55 years.
• Diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinopathy, confirmed clinically and by ultrasound or MRI.
• Duration of symptoms greater than 3 months.
• Supraspinatus tendon thickness > 5.85 mm as measured by ultrasound (based on Hunter et al., 2021).
• Able to follow the treatment plan and attend all therapy sessions.

You may not qualify if…

• Massive rotator cuff tear or complete tendon rupture.
• Adhesive capsulitis or significant limitation of passive shoulder motion.
• History of shoulder fracture, dislocation, or surgery in the affected limb.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, or systemic inflammatory disease.
• Cervical radiculopathy or neurological involvement affecting the shoulder.
• Corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder within the last 6 months.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• BMI > 30 kg/m² (obese individuals excluded).
• Current malignancy, open wounds, or local infection at the treatment site.
• Inability to tolerate shock wave therapy or perform exercise sessions.

Where it is running

• faculty of physical therapy, Deraya University — Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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