Comparing Manual Therapy and Low-Medium Energy Radial Shock Waves for Treating Shoulder Pain in Subacromial Syndrome

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.

Comparison of Manual Therapy Versus Radial Shock Waves in the Shoulder Pain Treatment