Shock waves vs needle lavage: which eases shoulder pain best?

NCT ID NCT06528756

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compared two procedures for treating painful calcium buildup in the shoulder: barbotage (a needle-guided washout) and shock wave therapy. Sixty-three adults aged 30–60 with chronic shoulder pain were randomly assigned to one treatment. Researchers tracked pain levels and shoulder function for six months to see which approach offered better relief.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

barbotage (ultrasound-guided needle lavage) and shock wave therapy

What this could lead to

If one treatment proves better, it could become the preferred option for relieving shoulder pain and improving function in people with calcific tendinopathy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 63 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and neither treatment may show a clear advantage.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

calcific tendinitis disease of the tendon Shoulder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia

    Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, Spain