Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy
Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Summary
Midportion Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of pain and functional limitation in both athletes and the general population. Progressive tendon loading programs are considered first-line treatment but do not lead to satisfactory outcomes in all patients. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are commonly used interventions for refractory symptoms, yet evidence supporting their combined use is limited particularly in treating Achilles tendon disorders. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized exercise program alone or in combination with PRP injection, ESWT, or both therapies in active adults with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will be randomized to one of four treatment groups and followed for six months. The primary outcome will assess changes in Achilles tendon symptoms and function using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score. Secondary outcomes will include patient-reported outcomes, physical function testing, ultrasound tendon structure measures, and gait biomechanics.
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Influence of Physical Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma or Combined Treatment in the Management of Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2028-03-30
Last Updated
2026-03-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Platelet Rich Plasma
Participants randomized to PRP will receive a single ultrasound-guided injection of approximately 3 mL of neutrophil-poor platelet-rich plasma derived from autologous blood. Blood will be processed to concentrate platelets and the PRP will be injected adjacent to the Achilles tendon at the site of maximal pain.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Participants randomized to ESWT will receive three weekly treatment sessions. Focused shockwave therapy will deliver approximately 2000 shocks with gradual energy escalation, followed by radial shockwave therapy delivering approximately 3000 pulses to the Achilles tendon and 3000 pulses to surrounding musculature.
Sham PRP
A needle will be inserted but no injection will occur around the Achilles tendon
Sham ESWT
Both focused shockwave and radial pressure wave will be in contact with the skin, but the devices will not be active to deliver energy. An audio recording will provide noises similar to the machines operating.
Locations (1)
Spaulding Cambridge Hospital
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States