Shock waves may ease arm pain after breast cancer surgery
NCT ID NCT05082597
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether low-energy shock wave therapy can help people with axillary web syndrome, a common complication after breast cancer surgery that causes painful, tight cords under the arm. Twenty patients received four weekly sessions of shock waves to the affected area. Researchers measured changes in shoulder movement, pain, muscle strength, and arm function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to ease pain and improve arm movement after breast cancer surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 20 people and no comparison group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BREAST CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Taichung, Taichung City, 407219, Taiwan