Rotator Cuff TendinopathyNCT07587502
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and Gua Sha Therapy in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Patients
A study testing Blood Flow Restriction and Gua Sha Scraping Therapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Rotator Cuff Syndrome, run by Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of study is to improve shoulder tendinopathy. By comparing advanced blood flow restriction with traditional Gua sha scraping, it can be identified which therapy is more effective at restoring functional movement and comfort for patients Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Blood Flow Restriction and Gua Sha Scraping Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2025to 30 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- patients having age group 18 to 60 years
- patients positive for Clinical Tendinopathy
- patients having positive painful arc
Who cannot join
- patients having any systemic Disorders
- patients having fractures and dislocations
- Pregnant Females
- Large Rotator Cuff Tears
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Al-Raee Trust Hospital, Gujranwala
Gujranwala, Punjab Province
About this study
Official title: Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and Gua Sha Therapy in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Patients
The goal of study is to improve shoulder tendinopathy. By comparing advanced blood flow restriction with traditional Gua sha scraping, it can be identified which therapy is more effective at restoring functional movement and comfort for patients
Read the detailed description
This six-week study randomly assigned 34 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy to either a Blood Flow Restriction group or a Gua sha scraping group. Using pain and disability scales, we monitored 17 participants per group to determine which treatment offered better functional recovery
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Being tested
- Blood Flow Restriction, Gua Sha Scraping Therapy
- Keywords
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Blood flow restriction therapy, Gua Sha Scraping, Muscle Hypertrophy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Blood Flow RestrictionOther
17 patients were administered Blood Flow restriction Therapy along with Therapeutic Exercises twice per week for 6 weeks.
Gua Sha Scraping TherapyOther
17 patients were administered Gua Sha Therapy along with Therapeutic Exercises twice per week for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction | Experimental | one group is treated with Blood flow Restriction therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy Receives: Other: Blood Flow Restriction |
| Gua Sha Scraping Therapy | Active comparator | other group is treated with Gua Sha Scraping Therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy Receives: Other: Gua Sha Scraping Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item, patient-reported outcome measure used to evaluate the severity of shoulder pain and the resulting impact on functional activities. Patients rate each item on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain/no difficulty" and 10 represents "worst pain imaginable/so difficult it requires help
Measured: 6 weeks
Visual Analogue Scale
The Visual Analogue Scale is a single-item measurement instrument used to quantify subjective pain experiences in this study. it consists of a 0-100 mm scale in which 0 means no pain and 100 means worst possible pain.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 May 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2025
- Primary completion10 Apr 2026
- Study completion30 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Rotator Cuff TendinopathyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Usman Iqbal Janjua, PhD Rehabilitation Sciences, Study director, Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07587502
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2021-066501
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 8 May 2026
- Last updated
- 19 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Artioli, D. P., & Bertolini, G. R. F. (2019). Gua-sha: application and therapeutic results in musculoskeletal pain situations. Systematic review. BrJP, 2.
Anastasiya D, D., Olga V, Y., & Olga Y, V. (2024). PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE GUA SHA MASSAGE: SCIENTIFIC REVIEW. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health, 1759-1767.
Seitz AL, McClure PW, Finucane S, Boardman ND 3rd, Michener LA. Mechanisms of rotator cuff tendinopathy: intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2011 Jan;26(1):1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.08.001. Epub 2010 Sep 16.
PubMed 20846766Akhtar A, Richards J, Monga P. The biomechanics of the rotator cuff in health and disease - A narrative review. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Apr 26;18:150-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.04.019. eCollection 2021 Jul.
PubMed 34012769Jadhav A, Gurudut P. Comparative Effectiveness of Gua Sha, Cryostretch, and Positional Release Technique on Tenderness and Function in Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2023 Mar 1;16(1):13-23. doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v16i1.749. eCollection 2023 Mar.
PubMed 36866182
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and Gua Sha Therapy in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07587502
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2021-066501
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Keywords
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Blood flow restriction therapy, Gua Sha Scraping, Muscle Hypertrophy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, PakistanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of study is to improve shoulder tendinopathy. By comparing advanced blood flow restriction with traditional Gua sha scraping, it can be identified which therapy is more effective at restoring functional movement and comfort for patients
Detailed description
This six-week study randomly assigned 34 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy to either a Blood Flow Restriction group or a Gua sha scraping group. Using pain and disability scales, we monitored 17 participants per group to determine which treatment offered better functional recovery
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction | Experimental | Other: Blood Flow Restrictionone group is treated with Blood flow Restriction therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy |
| Gua Sha Scraping Therapy | Active comparator | Other: Gua Sha Scraping Therapyother group is treated with Gua Sha Scraping Therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- patients having age group 18 to 60 years
- patients positive for Clinical Tendinopathy
- patients having positive painful arc
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- patients having any systemic Disorders
- patients having fractures and dislocations
- Pregnant Females
- Large Rotator Cuff Tears
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction17 patients were administered Blood Flow restriction Therapy along with Therapeutic Exercises twice per week for 6 weeks. | Other | Blood Flow Restriction |
| Gua Sha Scraping Therapy17 patients were administered Gua Sha Therapy along with Therapeutic Exercises twice per week for 6 weeks. | Other | Gua Sha Scraping Therapy |
Primary outcome
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item, patient-reported outcome measure used to evaluate the severity of shoulder pain and the resulting impact on functional activities. Patients rate each item on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain/no difficulty" and 10 represents "worst pain imaginable/so difficult it requires help
Visual Analogue Scale
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Visual Analogue Scale is a single-item measurement instrument used to quantify subjective pain experiences in this study. it consists of a 0-100 mm scale in which 0 means no pain and 100 means worst possible pain.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 May 2026.
- BackgroundArtioli, D. P., & Bertolini, G. R. F. (2019). Gua-sha: application and therapeutic results in musculoskeletal pain situations. Systematic review. BrJP, 2.
- BackgroundAnastasiya D, D., Olga V, Y., & Olga Y, V. (2024). PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE GUA SHA MASSAGE: SCIENTIFIC REVIEW. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health, 1759-1767.
- Background: PubMed 20846766Seitz AL, McClure PW, Finucane S, Boardman ND 3rd, Michener LA. Mechanisms of rotator cuff tendinopathy: intrinsic, extrinsic, or both? Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2011 Jan;26(1):1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.08.001. Epub 2010 Sep 16.
- Background: PubMed 34012769Akhtar A, Richards J, Monga P. The biomechanics of the rotator cuff in health and disease - A narrative review. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Apr 26;18:150-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.04.019. eCollection 2021 Jul.
- Background: PubMed 36866182Jadhav A, Gurudut P. Comparative Effectiveness of Gua Sha, Cryostretch, and Positional Release Technique on Tenderness and Function in Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2023 Mar 1;16(1):13-23. doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v16i1.749. eCollection 2023 Mar.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Recruiting
Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Natural History of Shoulder Pathology in Manual Wheelchair Users
Paraplegia, Spinal Cord Injuries
Active, not recruiting
Comparative Effects of Cyriax Approach With and Without Mobilization With Movement in Shoulder Restriction With Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of High-Intensity and Conventional Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Low Back Pain, Radicular Syndrome
Recruiting
Latissimus Dorsi Strengthening Exercises in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Usman Iqbal Janjua, PhD Rehabilitation Sciences study director
Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Blood Flow Restriction and Gua Sha Scraping Therapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Rotator Cuff Syndrome, run by Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07587502, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 May 2026.