CompletedNot Applicable

Shockwave, Photobiomodulation, and Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

United States48 participantsStarted 2023-02-13

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn more about and compare the effectiveness of standard of care (SOC) physical therapy (PT), PT with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT; low-level laser therapy), PT with shockwave therapy (SWT; high-energy acoustic wave therapy), and PT with PBMT and SWT, to improve function, decrease pain, and resolve symptoms in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The main question it aims to answer is: • What is the most effective treatment method for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy? Participants will Researchers will compare PT, PT + SWT, PT + SWT and PBMT to assess the most effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * DEERS Eligible * Between the ages of 18-64 * Currently Active Duty in any of the US Armed Forces * Clinical diagnosis of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (including both unilateral and bilateral) by a healthcare provider based on accepted diagnostic criteria. * Able to read and understand English language for consent purposes * Able to commit to 3-weeks of intervention and 6-months of follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Primary insertional Achilles tendinopathy * Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), corticosteroid injection, or prolotherapy within 3 months * Received dry needling within the past 4 weeks * Previously completed the Silbernagel protocol for Achilles tendinopathy within the past 3 months * Received SWT within the past 3 months to their Achilles * Tattoo in the area of treatment (due to sensitivity to PBMT) * Current use of pacemaker * Patients with a known underlying cardiac disease that could be affected by SWT * Patients with neuropathy affecting sensation to pain * Current use of medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g. amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole) * Current or chronic sciatica (lumbosacral radiculopathy) resulting in chronic or intermittent lower extremity pain, numbness, or tingling. * Achilles tendon tear or prior Achilles tendon surgery * Recent lower extremity injury within the last 3 months that required profe…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: Baseline

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 3-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 6-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 12-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 6-month

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Timeframe: Baseline

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Timeframe: 3-week

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05751785

SponsorMusculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-11-14

Results submitted2025-01-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Achilles Tendinopathy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: Baseline

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 3-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 6-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 12-week

Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A)

Timeframe: 6-month

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Timeframe: Baseline

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Timeframe: 3-week

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)