Actively Recruiting
Comparison of Manual Therapy Versus Low-medium Energy Radial Shock Waves in the Treatment of Subacromial Syndrome in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by University of Alcala · Updated on 2025-06-03
88
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
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AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Subacromial syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain with unclear causes and no specific treatment. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of manual therapy compared to low-medium energy radial shock wave therapy in treating this condition. This randomized, single-blind clinical trial involves 88 participants with subacromial syndrome to compare these two treatment approaches and determine which provides better relief. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive manual therapy focused on joint mobilizations and pressure release of muscle trigger points over 6 weeks. The other group will receive weekly sessions of radial shock wave therapy targeting specific shoulder areas and trigger points, also for 6 weeks. Both groups will complete a 12-week home-based therapeutic exercise program after their initial treatment. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed before treatment and up to one year later. Evaluations include measuring shoulder pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at motion, rest, and overnight. Disability, muscle strength, and shoulder range of motion will also be measured. The study aims to observe changes in these outcomes to compare the effectiveness of the two treatments, with ongoing monitoring and follow-up for up to 12 months after treatment ends.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparison of Manual Therapy Versus Radial Shock Waves in the Shoulder Pain Treatment
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 80 years
- Unilateral shoulder pain with no history of trauma
- Shoulder pain rated at least 4 out of 10 on the Visual Analogue Scale lasting a minimum of 3 months
- Positive result in at least 3 of the following tests: painful arc, Neer impingement, Hawkins-Kennedy, Jobe, or external rotation against resistance
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of red flags indicating serious conditions
- Diagnosis of shoulder instability
- Diagnosis of frozen shoulder
- Diagnosis of complete rupture of the rotator cuff tendon
- Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy
- Diagnosis of whiplash
- Diagnosis of degenerative disease of the glenohumeral joint
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive either manual therapy involving joint mobilization and muscle trigger point pressure release, or radial shock wave treatment once weekly for 6 weeks. All participants also perform a 12-week home-based therapeutic exercise program.
Weekly visits for up to 6 weeks for treatment sessions
Duration - Up to 12 months
Participants are monitored for changes in shoulder pain, disability, muscle force, chronic pain scale, and shoulder range of motion up to 12 months after treatment begins.
1 to 2 follow-up visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Alcalá University
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain, 28871
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
David Varillas Hernández, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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