Shock waves or sound waves? study tests two treatments for tennis elbow pain
NCT ID NCT06603181
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two non-invasive treatments for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) in 60 adults aged 18-65 who had pain for at least 3 months. One group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), another received phonophoresis (ultrasound with anti-inflammatory gel), and a third got standard care (exercise and a splint). The goal was to see which approach best reduces pain, improves hand grip strength, and restores function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- extracorporeal shock wave therapy and phonophoresis (ultrasound with gel)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that shock wave therapy or phonophoresis is a better option for easing tennis elbow pain and improving grip strength without injections or surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 60 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Both treatments are generally safe but may not work for all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY 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
Locations
-
Kırşehir Ahi Evran University
Kırşehir, Kırşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Mind over elbow: can beliefs predict how tennis elbow patients respond to treatment?
- Padel players: 8-Week strength routine may ward off tennis elbow
- Shock waves or sugar water? new study tests two tennis elbow treatments
- Shock waves aimed at trigger points may ease tennis elbow pain
- New energy therapy could ease tennis elbow without drugs
- New exercise approach may ease tennis elbow pain better than standard therapy