Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment Intervention for Frozen Shoulder

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING · Jul 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a treatment called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for people suffering from frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder can cause significant pain and limit movement in the shoulder joint, often requiring physiotherapy. If patients don't improve with regular treatments, they may be referred for further options. The trial aims to see if ESWT can help these patients by using a standardized treatment plan and measuring its effects on pain, function, and movement in the shoulder.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder for more than three months. They should be able to attend outpatient appointments and understand English. However, those with certain conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, previous shoulder surgeries, or a pregnancy, are not eligible. Participants can expect to receive ESWT and will be asked to share their experiences through interviews. The study will gather data over nine months to determine if ESWT is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants aged 18 years and older.
• • 2. Diagnosis of primary or secondary shoulder AC of a greater than three-month duration.
• • 3. Diagnosis of AC by an orthopaedic consultant or upper limb Advanced Practice Physiotherapist.
• • 4. Participants can attend an outpatient rural physiotherapy department to receive shockwave therapy intervention.
• • 5. They understand English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants who have bilateral shoulder pain, capsular tightness, calcific rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tear (atraumatic or traumatic), previous surgery on the affected shoulder, shoulder fracture, dislocation or subluxation, glenohumeral or acromioclavicular arthritis, malignancy, inflammatory disorders, neuromuscular disorders, presence of severe osteoporosis, pulmonary diseases, implanted pacemaker and pregnancy.
• • 2. They have conditions related to ESWT contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, pacemaker, metal work or joint replacement near the treatment site, blood clotting disorder, use of anti-coagulants, less than six weeks of receiving a steroid injection over treatment site, malignancy, local infection or open wounds, skeletal growth places, under 18 years old).
• • 3. Symptom duration less than 12 weeks.
• • 4. Absent or altered skin sensation.
• • 5. They are unable to give full informed consent.