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

Deraya University50 enrolled

Overview

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.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy involves chronic overload and microtrauma of the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain, inflammation, and functional impairment. Therapeutic exercises that target the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers are commonly prescribed to restore muscle control and shoulder kinematics. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has demonstrated potential for tendon regeneration, pain reduction, and improved vascularization. This randomized controlled trial investigates whether the combination of ESWT and exercise therapy produces greater improvements than exercise therapy alone in reducing supraspinatus tendon thickness and pain and improving shoulder function. Fifty participants aged 30-55 years with confirmed RCT will be randomly assigned into two groups: * Group A (Experimental): ESWT + rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises. * Group B (Active Comparator): Rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises only. Both groups will be treated for 6 weeks, with 3 exercise sessions per week; Group A will receive 1 ESWT session weekly in addition to exercises.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) with ExerciseOTHER

Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) will be applied to the supraspinatus tendon at 1.5 bar, 1500 shocks per session, once weekly for 6 weeks, in combination with a rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercise program performed three times weekly. This combination is designed to promote tendon healing, improve strength, and reduce shoulder pain.

Exercise TherapyOTHER

A standardized rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercise program including strengthening, stretching, and control training for the shoulder complex. Exercises are performed three times weekly for 6 weeks under supervision. This program serves as the active control for comparison with ESWT + Exercise.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 30 YearsMax age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Supraspinatus Tendon Thickness

Supraspinatus tendon thickness will be measured using diagnostic ultrasonography in the transverse plane. Participants will be positioned in the modified Crass position (palm on iliac crest, elbow directed posteriorly) as described by Ferri et al. (2005). The transducer will be placed on the acromion and moved laterally to visualize the supraspinatus tendon. A decrease in tendon thickness after 6 weeks of treatment indicates structural improvement. Measurements will be taken at baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention

Change in Shoulder Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS)

Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average shoulder pain over the previous week. A lower score after treatment indicates improvement. Measurements will be taken at baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention

Change in Shoulder Disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, SPADI)

Shoulder pain and disability will be assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). This self-reported questionnaire includes 13 items scored from 0-10. The total score is expressed as a percentage, with higher scores indicating greater pain and disability. The SPADI will be administered at baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention

Change in Isometric Shoulder Muscle Strength

Isometric strength of the shoulder external and internal rotator muscles will be measured using a handheld dynamometer. Participants will perform maximal voluntary contractions in a standardized seated position. Three trials will be performed for each direction of movement, and the mean value will be recorded in Newtons (N). Increased strength after treatment indicates functional improvement.

Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks post-intervention

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

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Central Contacts