Shock waves vs needle lavage: which eases shoulder pain best?
NCT ID NCT06528756
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 4 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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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