Shock waves or sound waves? study tests two treatments for tennis elbow pain

NCT ID NCT06603181

First seen Jan 07, 2026 · Last updated Jun 19, 2026 · Updated 28 times

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.

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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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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kırşehir Ahi Evran University

    Kırşehir, Kırşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)

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.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

epicondylitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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