Shockwave Therapy + PRP for Achilles Tendonitis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Midportion Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of pain and functional limitation in both athletes and the general population. Progressive tendon loading programs are considered first-line treatment but do not lead to satisfactory outcomes in all patients. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are commonly used interventions for refractory symptoms, yet evidence supporting their combined use is limited particularly in treating Achilles tendon disorders.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized exercise program alone or in combination with PRP injection, ESWT, or both therapies in active adults with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants will be randomized to one of four treatment groups and followed for six months. The primary outcome will assess changes in Achilles tendon symptoms and function using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score. Secondary outcomes will include patient-reported outcomes, physical function testing, ultrasound tendon structure measures, and gait biomechanics.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Adam S. Tenforde, MD
Principal Investigator
Spaulding Rehabiltaition Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a standardized exercise program alone or in combination with PRP injection, ESWT, or both therapies
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
- Platelet Rich Plasma
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
PRP will be administered followed by three sessions of ESWT. Standard of care exercise program will be prescribed to participants with four stages to be performed during the study.
Sham PRP will be delivered. Three sessions of ESWT will be delivered to the Achilles tendon. Standard of care exercise program will be prescribed to participants with four stages to be performed during the study.
PRP will be delivered around the tendon, sham ESWT will be issued. Standard of care exercise program will be prescribed to participants with four stages to be performed during the study.
A sham PRP injection will be performed where the needle breaks the skin but does not fenestrate the tendon. The sham ESWT will include radial pressure waves and focused shockwaves delivered without the device turned on to deliver energy and audio recording. Standard of care exercise program will be prescribed to participants with four stages to be performed during the study.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Storz Medical AG
Industry Sponsor
Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Collaborator
Plymouth Medical
Collaborator
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