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NCT Number: NCT07615920

HILT vs ESWT in Supraspinatus Tendinitis

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female participants aged between 18 and 60 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed supraspinatus tendinitis confirmed by ultrasound imaging.
  • Shoulder pain duration greater than 3 months.
  • Ability to understand and follow study instructions.
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Full-thickness rotator cuff tear.
  • Previous shoulder surgery.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Neurological disorders affecting the upper limb.
  • Corticosteroid injection within the previous 3 months.
  • Shoulder fracture or dislocation.
  • Systemic inflammatory diseases.
  • Participation in other physical therapy programs during the study period

Treatment and study plan

High-intensity laser therapy

Device

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is an advanced electrotherapy modality that uses high-power laser energy to penetrate deep musculoskeletal tissues and stimulate biological healing processes. The device emits laser wavelengths ranging between 808-1064 nm with high peak power output, allowing deeper tissue penetration compared to conventional low-level laser therapy. HILT provides analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects through increasing local blood circulation, enhancing cellular metabolism, stimulating collagen synthesis, and promoting tissue regeneration. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, and commonly used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for tendinopathies and chronic pain conditions.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Device

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapeutic modality that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured musculoskeletal tissues. The device generates focused or radial shock waves that stimulate tissue healing, neovascularization, pain reduction, and cellular repair mechanisms. ESWT is widely used in the management of tendinopathies, calcific disorders, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Treatment parameters typically include energy flux density, frequency, number of impulses, and treatment sessions. The therapy is considered safe and effective, with minimal side effects

Conventional physical therapy

Other

The conventional physical therapy program consisted of a combination of therapeutic exercises and physical therapy modalities aimed at reducing pain, improving shoulder range of motion, enhancing muscle strength, and restoring functional performance. The program included hot pack application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, as well as a home exercise program. Treatment sessions were conducted three times per week according to the patient's tolerance and clinical condition

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain intensity measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

    Time frame: At baseline and immediately after 4 weeks of intervention

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Shoulder Pain and Disability Measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)

    Time frame: At baseline and immediately after 4 weeks of intervention

    Shoulder pain and disability will be assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The SPADI score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater pain and disability.

  2. Upper Extremity Function Measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)

    Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after 4 weeks of intervention.

    Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. DASH scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

  3. Shoulder Range of Motion Measured Using a Digital Goniometer

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after 4 weeks of intervention.

    Shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, and external rotation) will be measured in degrees using a digital goniometer. Higher values indicate greater shoulder mobility.

  4. Quality of Life Measured by the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after 4 weeks of intervention.

    Quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

SAMI ABDU AKKUR, MASTER

CONTACT

[email protected]

+966500433558

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kafrelsheikh University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
May 29, 2026
Registry last updated
May 29, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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