Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Nutraceutical Supplementation in the Treatment of Epicondylitis: a Clinical Trial

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PALERMO · May 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of two different treatments for lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. This condition causes pain on the outer part of the elbow due to inflammation of the tendons in the forearm, often from overuse. The trial is comparing the effectiveness of Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing) and a nutritional supplement blend that includes Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Vitamin C, and Manganese. Participants will be divided into three groups: one will receive only the ShockWave Therapy, another will take the supplements, and the last group will receive both treatments. Researchers want to see which approach is better for reducing pain and improving daily function.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and have a certain level of pain (rated at 4 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10). They should not have certain health conditions, such as pregnancy, cancer, or heart issues, and must be willing to stop any medications that could interfere with the results for a week before starting the treatment. Those who join the study can expect to undergo evaluations at the beginning, after one month, and again a month after completing the treatment to track their progress. This study is being conducted in Palermo and aims to find out the best way to help people suffering from this painful condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis;
• • Ultrasound evidence of inflammatory status of the tendon of the wrist common extensor muscle;
• • Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at T0 ≥ 4;
• • Pharmacological wash out starting seven days before treatment;
• • Written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy;
• • Already diagnosed or diagnostically defined neoplasms;
• • Pacemaker wearers;
• • Coagulation disorders and/or anticoagulant therapy;
• • Skin lesions and/or local infections;
• • Tendon injury and/or previous surgery on the wrist extensor tendons;
• • Cervical myelopathy;
• • Epilepsy;
• • Patients with contraindications and/or allergies to the active ingredients of nutracetical supplementation;
• • Obesity with BMI\>30 (kg/m2).