Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Nutraceutical Supplementation in the Treatment of Epicondylitis: a Clinical Trial

Summary

Lateral epicondylitis is a pathologic condition of the musculotendinous system, characterized by the presence of pain at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus; it is a tendinopathy of the extensor muscles of the forearm, often caused by overuse or repetitive use of the arm, forced extension of the elbow, or direct trauma to the humeral epicondyle. This study evaluated the efficacy of Extracorporeal ShockWave Treatment (ESWT) combined with a supplemental nutraceutical treatment of Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Vitamin C, and Manganese, compared with single treatment in patients with lateral epicondylitis in term of improvement in pain, functional capacity, muscle strength, and reduction of inflammation on ultrasound images. A clinical trial was conducted at the U.O.C. of "Recovery and Functional Rehabilitation" of A.O.U.P. "P. Giaccone" of Palermo from Marc 2024 to July 2024. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: in group "A", n° 5 sessions of focal ESWT were given every six days; in group "B", patients took daily for 30 days, supplemental nutraceutical treatment of Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Vitamin C, and Manganese; and group "C", patients had combined treatment of ESWT (one session every six days for a total of five sessions) and nutraceutical supplementation (one administration per day for one month). All patients were evaluated at enrollment (T0), after one month, at the end of rehabilitation treatment (T1), and at a follow up 30 days after the end of treatment (T2). Researched will compare patients treated with ESWT or with nutraceutical treatment, and patients who had combined treatment to see if there are real differences in term of pain reduction and improved short- and long-term quality of life.

Conditions

• Epicondylitis, Lateral
• Epicondylitis of the Elbow
• Tennis Elbow

Interventions

OTHER

Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment (Group A)

Each session involved a 1:1 ratio of patient to physiatrist. The treatment modality was explained to the patient preliminarily, and before each session, the patients were clinically evaluated and the location of pain was identified.; so patients were asked to assume a comfortable position, and treatment with focal ESWTs was started as per the ISMST protocol

OTHER

Nutraceutical Supplementation (Group B)

Participants in Group B performed home therapy with nutraceutical supplementation containing: hyaluronic acid (200 mg), collagen (5,000 mg), manganese (10 mg) and vitamin C (250 mg), daily for 30 days. Patients were advised to shake the compound, before taking, and to store it at room temperature not exceeding 25 °C, in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat sources. The compound is also free of gluten and lactose, so it can be safely administered.

OTHER

Combined Treatment (Group C)

Participants in group C were invited to come to our department\'s outpatient clinics to perform treatment with focal ESWT; they had one session every six days for a total of 5 sessions lasting about 20 minutes each. Patients in this group took also additional nutraceutical therapy; they took a daily supplemental treatment of hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin C and manganese for 30 days.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Palermo

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-01

Primary Completion

2024-12-31

Completion

2024-12-31

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations