Adding Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy to Exercise for Treating Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy A Randomized Study

What this Trial Is About

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain that leads to difficulty using the shoulder and lowers quality of life. Researchers are studying whether adding extracorporeal shock wave therapy ESWT to a program of rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises improves recovery compared to exercise alone. This trial includes adults aged 30 to 55 with confirmed rotator cuff tendinopathy lasting more than three months. Participants are randomly divided into two groups. One group receives ESWT once a week for six weeks along with exercises three times weekly, focusing on strengthening and controlling shoulder muscles. The other group performs the same exercise program without ESWT. ESWT is applied to the supraspinatus tendon using a focused probe delivering 1500 shocks per session at a pressure of 1.5 bar. During the six-week study, participants will be monitored for changes in tendon thickness, shoulder pain levels, shoulder disability, and muscle strength. These measures are assessed at the start and end of treatment. The study aims to understand if combining ESWT with exercise offers greater benefits for tendon healing and shoulder function than exercise therapy alone.

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