Abstract / Summary
Introduction: Shoulder tendinopathy is the most common cause of shoulder pain and one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, for which there is need for better treatment options with fewer complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of local injection of oxygen-ozone, corticosteroid, and prolotherapy under ultrasound guidance in the treatment of shoulder tendinopathy.
Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, 45 patients with shoulder tendinopathy were selected by a sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 individuals each (local injection of oxygen-ozone, corticosteroid, and prolotherapy). Patients' symptoms were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Constant Score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), range of motion, and ultrasound findings before treatment, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after intervention.
Results: VAS scores, SPADI, Constant Score, bursal thickness, and range of motion improved in all three groups following treatment. The lowest pain intensity based on the VAS scale at 2 weeks was observed in the corticosteroid group, while at 2 and 6 months, the lowest pain intensity was observed in the prolotherapy group.
Conclusion: All three treatment options are effective for patients with shoulder tendinopathy. This study demonstrated that the effects of prolotherapy and oxygen-ozone injections last longer than those of corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroid injections are more effective for short-term pain relief.
Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20151017024572N17.