Could shockwaves and light be the new fix for Runner's achilles pain?
NCT ID NCT04725513
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested three treatments for Achilles tendinopathy (pain in the middle of the Achilles tendon) in 46 runners. The treatments were shockwave therapy, a combination of shockwave and light therapy (photobiomodulation), and standard physical therapy. Participants were followed for three months, with an option to switch treatments after that. The goal was to see which approach best reduced pain and improved function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
shockwave therapy and photobiomodulation (light therapy)
What this could lead to
If effective, these therapies could offer non-drug options to ease Achilles pain and help runners return to activity faster.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 46 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatments are not yet proven to work better than standard physical therapy.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Spaulding Hospital Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States