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Focused Shockwave Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Myofascial Pain
Sponsor: Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Summary
Myofascial pain syndrome of the neck and shoulder is a common condition characterized by persistent muscle pain, tenderness, stiffness, and limitations in daily activities. Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that may reduce pain and improve muscle function. However, additional clinical evidence is needed regarding the effectiveness of second-generation focused shockwave therapy and whether ultrasound imaging can objectively detect changes in muscle function after treatment. This pilot randomized controlled trial will enroll 60 adults with chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a focused shockwave therapy group or a home-based neck exercise group. Participants in the focused shockwave therapy group will receive one treatment session per week for three consecutive weeks. Participants in the control group will perform a standardized home exercise program designed to improve neck mobility and reduce muscle tightness. Assessments will be performed before the intervention, after the intervention, and at follow-up. Study outcomes will include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, neck-related disability measured using the Neck Disability Index, pressure pain threshold measured using an algometer, and upper trapezius muscle thickness and contraction-related changes measured using ultrasound imaging. The primary objective is to determine whether focused shockwave therapy is more effective than a home-based neck exercise program in reducing pain and improving neck function. The study will also evaluate whether ultrasound-derived muscle measurements are associated with changes in pain, pressure sensitivity, and functional disability.
Official title: Effectiveness of Second-Generation Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Combined With Ultrasonographic Assessment in Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Neck and Shoulder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-07-13
Completion Date
2027-05-30
Last Updated
2026-09-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Second-Generation Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Second-generation focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy will be applied to clinically identified tight and painful regions of the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. Treatment will be administered using the Richard Wolf PiezoWave system once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. Each session will include approximately 3,000 shockwave pulses at a treatment depth of 20 to 25 mm and a frequency of 2 to 4 Hz. The treatment energy level will begin at level 4 and may be gradually increased to a maximum of level 15 according to the participant's clinical response and tolerance.
Home-Based Neck Exercise Program
Participants will perform a standardized home-based neck exercise program for 3 weeks. The program includes cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left upper cervical rotation performed with the neck in a flexed position. Each exercise will be performed for 20 repetitions per set, for 3 sets, 5 times per day. Participants will receive initial instruction and movement correction from a qualified physical therapist, together with written educational materials. Adherence and exercise-related difficulties will be monitored during the study.
Locations (1)
CiShan hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan