Bicipital TendonitisNCT07030972
Effect of Deep Friction Massage on Pain, Function, Kinesiophobia, and Quality of Life in Bicipital Tendinitis
A study testing Exercise and Deep friction massage in people with Bicipital Tendonitis, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Bicipital tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the biceps tendon, resulting in pain and limited movement in the front of the shoulder. This condition usually develops due to repetitive shoulder movements or overuse and can negatively affect daily life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Bicipital Tendonitis
- What is being tested?
- Exercise and Deep friction massage
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 20 Dec 2024to 20 May 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 20 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of bicipital tendinitis (tendinosis)
- Be between 20 and 55 years of age
- Have shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
Who cannot join
- Shoulder impingement or frozen shoulder
- Another shoulder problem such as a full-thickness rotator cuff tear or instability
- Having received physical therapy or manual therapy for the same shoulder within the past year
- History of upper extremity fracture
- History of shoulder surgery
- Presence of entrapment neuropathy
Show all 9Show fewer
- Having radicular pain originating from the cervical vertebrae
- Having a systemic musculoskeletal disease
- Having mental and cognitive problems
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effect of Deep Friction Massage Applied to Patients With Bicipital Tendinitis on Pain, Functional Capacity, Kinesiophobia, and Quality of Life
Bicipital tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the biceps tendon, resulting in pain and limited movement in the front of the shoulder. This condition usually develops due to repetitive shoulder movements or overuse and can negatively affect daily life.
Treatment usually involves medications, cold applications, rest, and exercises. However, in some cases, these methods may not be sufficient. This study aims to investigate the effects of deep friction massage (DFM) when applied in addition to a standard exercise program. DFM is a massage technique that supports tissue healing, reduces pain, and improves mobility.
Within the scope of the study, the effects of DFM combined with exercise on pain, functional capacity, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and quality of life will be evaluated. The findings obtained aim to contribute to the development of more effective approaches in the treatment of biceps tendinitis.
Read the detailed description
Bicipital tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon, causing pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder. It typically develops due to repetitive shoulder movements or overuse and, if left untreated, can negatively impact quality of life. Treatment for biceps tendinitis focuses on reducing inflammation and swelling, strengthening the tendon, and preventing tendon rupture. Early/initial treatments for biceps tendinitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gels or patches for pain, and cold applications for pain and swelling. If symptoms do not improve, physical therapy may be recommended. These treatments typically include stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, or ultrasound therapy. Exercises aim to help keep muscles, joints, and tendons mobile and flexible. If symptoms are severe or persistent despite initial/early treatment, the doctor may recommend a steroid injection into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. After the injection, patients are typically prescribed rest, ice, acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, and a regimen of stretching/strengthening exercises.
Another important treatment method in the conservative management of tendinopathies is Deep Friction Massage (DFM). DFM is an approach that mechanically supports the remodeling of tissue and the healing process. This technique helps meet the tendon's oxygen and nutrient requirements by increasing blood flow in the treated area, while supporting the alignment of collagen fibers and facilitating the reorganization of scar tissue. The effects of deep friction massage on pain reduction and functional capacity improvement have been extensively documented in the literature. Additionally, the positive effects of this method on flexibility and range of motion from a biomechanical perspective are one of the reasons it is preferred in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.
The investigators believe that the application of deep friction massage in addition to a standard exercise program in patients with bicipital tendinitis could be a useful combination therapy to support tendon healing. This approach may create a synergistic effect in tendon healing by combining the positive effects of exercise with the long-term tissue benefits of deep friction massage. There are a limited number of studies in the literature suggesting that this combination is effective; therefore, more comprehensive and controlled research is needed to guide clinical practice.
Pain, functional capacity, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and quality of life are critical in assessing the effects of biceps tendinitis on patients. Improving these parameters can accelerate patients' return to daily activities and improve their overall health. In light of this information, it is thought that the combined application of an exercise program and deep friction massage could be considered a potential treatment strategy for pain management and functional improvement in the treatment of biceps tendinitis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of deep friction massage, applied in addition to an exercise program, on pain, functional capacity, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in patients with biceps tendinitis. This will provide further insight into the efficacy of combined treatment methods and guide clinical practice.
- Conditions
- Bicipital Tendonitis
- Being tested
- Exercise, Deep friction massage
- Keywords
- bicipital tendinitis, deep friction massage
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseOther
Individuals in the control and intervention groups will be included in a routine exercise program. For this exercise program; shoulder joint range of motion exercises, finger ladder, Codman and stick exercises will be given to protect functional range of motion in the early stages and to increase it in the later stages. Isometric exercises will be performed on the scapular muscles in the early stages to preserve muscle strength. In the later stages, rotator cuff, scapula stabilizers and deltoid strengthening exercises will be shown and applied, initially with low-resistance therabants for strengthening. In addition, neuromuscular control exercises and proprioceptive exercises will be included in the treatment to increase joint stabilization and coordination. Exercises will be performed for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, with 10-30 repetitions.
Deep friction massageOther
Individuals in the intervention group will receive a deep friction massage to the biceps tendon after the exercise program. The individual will be placed in a long sitting position with their back supported. While the patient's shoulder is next to the body and the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees, the therapist's thumb will be placed on the painful area on the extension of the biceps tendon fibers and a deep friction massage will be applied to the point where the tendonitis occurs in a transverse direction for 3-10 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Active comparator | Individuals in the control groups will be included in a routine exercise program. This exercise program will include shoulder joint range of motion exercises, finger ladder, Codman, and stick exercises, which will be applied to maintain functional range of motion in the early stages and increase it in the later stages. Isometric exercises will be applied to the scapular muscles to maintain muscle strength in the early stages. In the later stages, rotator cuff, scapular stabilizer, and deltoid strengthening exercises will be demonstrated and applied. Low-resistance therabands will be used for strengthening at the beginning. Additionally, neuromuscular control exercises and proprioceptive exercises will be included in the treatment to enhance joint stabilization and coordination. The exercises will be performed over a 6-week period, 3 days per week, with 10-30 repetitions. Receives: Other: Exercise |
| Intervention group | Experimental | Individuals in the intervention group will receive deep friction massage on the biceps tendon in addition to the routine exercise program and following the exercise program. The individual will be placed in a long sitting position with their back supported. While the patient's shoulder is next to the body and the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees, the therapist's thumb will be placed on the painful area on the extension of the biceps tendon fibers and a deep friction massage will be applied to the point where the tendonitis occurs in a transverse direction for 3-10 minutes. Receives: Other: Exercise; Other: Deep friction massage |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Assessment
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to determine the intensity of pain and to compare the pain felt before and after treatment (baseline, 6th week and 12th week). VAS is a reliable and easily applicable test used to measure values that cannot be easily measured numerically by converting them into a numerical format. The lowest and highest definitions of the parameters to be evaluated are written on both ends of a 100 mm line. The patient is asked to mark the most appropriate value (location) between these two extreme points. When this scale is used for pain, the numbers "0" are written on one end to indicate no pain and "10" are written on the other end to indicate the most severe pain, and this is converted into a template, numbers between 0-10 are placed on the line and the patient is asked to choose the closest number.
Measured: before-after treatment (baseline, 6th week and 12th week)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Assessment of Functional Capacity
Individuals' functional capacities will be assessed using the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Short Form (Q-DASH).
Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Short Form (Q-DASH):
The Quick DASH questionnaire, which is the short form of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems (DASH-T) questionnaire validated and tested for reliability in Turkish by Düger et al. (2006), will be used. The 11-item questionnaire subjectively assesses the functional status of the upper extremity using a Likert scale. Patients will be asked to complete the questionnaire themselves, and the total score obtained will be converted into a total score ranging from 0 to 100 using a formula developed for the questionnaire (Gummesson et al. 2004). Values closer to 0 indicate good functional outcomes.
Measured: before and after treatment (at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jun 2025
- Study start20 Dec 2024
- Primary completion20 May 2026
- Study completion20 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Bicipital TendonitisStudies 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
- Model description
- The type of the research is a parallel randomized controlled trial with before-after measurements.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Firat University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, Firat University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07030972
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FU_MGBeydagi_Omuz_B_2025/06-39
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 11 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Due to the small sample size and ethical restrictions regarding patient confidentiality in this single-center study, individual participant data will not be publicly shared. However, aggregated data will be available upon reasonable request.
Publications
Bozgeyik S, Kinikli GI, Topal Y, Beydagi MG, Turhan E, Kilinc HE, Guney-Deniz H. Supervised exercises have superior effects compared to home-based exercises for patients with knee osteoarthritis following platelet-rich plasma injection. Res Sports Med. 2024 Mar-Apr;32(2):279-289. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2022.2102920. Epub 2022 Jul 19.
PubMed 35854659
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effect of Deep Friction Massage Applied to Patients With Bicipital Tendinitis on Pain, Functional Capacity, Kinesiophobia, and Quality of Life
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07030972
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FU_MGBeydagi_Omuz_B_2025/06-39
- Conditions
- Bicipital Tendonitis
- Keywords
- bicipital tendinitis, deep friction massage
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Firat UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Jun 2025 (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.
Bicipital tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the biceps tendon, resulting in pain and limited movement in the front of the shoulder. This condition usually develops due to repetitive shoulder movements or overuse and can negatively affect daily life.
Treatment usually involves medications, cold applications, rest, and exercises. However, in some cases, these methods may not be sufficient. This study aims to investigate the effects of deep friction massage (DFM) when applied in addition to a standard exercise program. DFM is a massage technique that supports tissue healing, reduces pain, and improves mobility.
Within the scope of the study, the effects of DFM combined with exercise on pain, functional capacity, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and quality of life will be evaluated. The findings obtained aim to contribute to the development of more effective approaches in the treatment of biceps tendinitis.
Detailed description
Bicipital tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon, causing pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder. It typically develops due to repetitive shoulder movements or overuse and, if left untreated, can negatively impact quality of life. Treatment for biceps tendinitis focuses on reducing inflammation and swelling, strengthening the tendon, and preventing tendon rupture. Early/initial treatments for biceps tendinitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gels or patches for pain, and cold applications for pain and swelling. If symptoms do not improve, physical therapy may be recommended. These treatments typically include stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, or ultrasound therapy. Exercises aim to help keep muscles, joints, and tendons mobile and flexible. If symptoms are severe or persistent despite initial/early treatment, the doctor may recommend a steroid injection into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. After the injection, patients are typically prescribed rest, ice, acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, and a regimen of stretching/strengthening exercises.
Another important treatment method in the conservative management of tendinopathies is Deep Friction Massage (DFM). DFM is an approach that mechanically supports the remodeling of tissue and the healing process. This technique helps meet the tendon's oxygen and nutrient requirements by increasing blood flow in the treated area, while supporting the alignment of collagen fibers and facilitating the reorganization of scar tissue. The effects of deep friction massage on pain reduction and functional capacity improvement have been extensively documented in the literature. Additionally, the positive effects of this method on flexibility and range of motion from a biomechanical perspective are one of the reasons it is preferred in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.
The investigators believe that the application of deep friction massage in addition to a standard exercise program in patients with bicipital tendinitis could be a useful combination therapy to support tendon healing. This approach may create a synergistic effect in tendon healing by combining the positive effects of exercise with the long-term tissue benefits of deep friction massage. There are a limited number of studies in the literature suggesting that this combination is effective; therefore, more comprehensive and controlled research is needed to guide clinical practice.
Pain, functional capacity, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and quality of life are critical in assessing the effects of biceps tendinitis on patients. Improving these parameters can accelerate patients' return to daily activities and improve their overall health. In light of this information, it is thought that the combined application of an exercise program and deep friction massage could be considered a potential treatment strategy for pain management and functional improvement in the treatment of biceps tendinitis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of deep friction massage, applied in addition to an exercise program, on pain, functional capacity, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in patients with biceps tendinitis. This will provide further insight into the efficacy of combined treatment methods and guide clinical practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The type of the research is a parallel randomized controlled trial with before-after measurements.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Active comparator | Other: ExerciseIndividuals in the control groups will be included in a routine exercise program. This exercise program will include shoulder joint range of motion exercises, finger ladder, Codman, and stick exercises, which will be applied to maintain functional range of motion in the early stages and increase it in the later stages. Isometric exercises will be applied to the scapular muscles to maintain muscle strength in the early stages. In the later stages, rotator cuff, scapular stabilizer, and deltoid strengthening exercises will be demonstrated and applied. Low-resistance therabands will be used for strengthening at the beginning. Additionally, neuromuscular control exercises and proprioceptive exercises will be included in the treatment to enhance joint stabilization and coordination. The exercises will be performed over a 6-week period, 3 days per week, with 10-30 repetitions. |
| Intervention group | Experimental | Other: Exercise, Other: Deep friction massageIndividuals in the intervention group will receive deep friction massage on the biceps tendon in addition to the routine exercise program and following the exercise program. The individual will be placed in a long sitting position with their back supported. While the patient's shoulder is next to the body and the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees, the therapist's thumb will be placed on the painful area on the extension of the biceps tendon fibers and a deep friction massage will be applied to the point where the tendonitis occurs in a transverse direction for 3-10 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Diagnosis of bicipital tendinitis (tendinosis)
- Be between 20 and 55 years of age
- Have shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Shoulder impingement or frozen shoulder
- Another shoulder problem such as a full-thickness rotator cuff tear or instability
- Having received physical therapy or manual therapy for the same shoulder within the past year
- History of upper extremity fracture
- History of shoulder surgery
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseIndividuals in the control and intervention groups will be included in a routine exercise program. For this exercise program; shoulder joint range of motion exercises, finger ladder, Codman and stick exercises will be given to protect functional range of motion in the early stages and to increase it in the later stages. Isometric exercises will be performed on the scapular muscles in the early stages to preserve muscle strength. In the later stages, rotator cuff, scapula stabilizers and deltoid strengthening exercises will be shown and applied, initially with low-resistance therabants for strengthening. In addition, neuromuscular control exercises and proprioceptive exercises will be included in the treatment to increase joint stabilization and coordination. Exercises will be performed for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, with 10-30 repetitions. | Other | Control, Intervention group |
| Deep friction massageIndividuals in the intervention group will receive a deep friction massage to the biceps tendon after the exercise program. The individual will be placed in a long sitting position with their back supported. While the patient's shoulder is next to the body and the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees, the therapist's thumb will be placed on the painful area on the extension of the biceps tendon fibers and a deep friction massage will be applied to the point where the tendonitis occurs in a transverse direction for 3-10 minutes. | Other | Intervention group |
Primary outcome
Pain Assessment
Time frame: before-after treatment (baseline, 6th week and 12th week)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to determine the intensity of pain and to compare the pain felt before and after treatment (baseline, 6th week and 12th week). VAS is a reliable and easily applicable test used to measure values that cannot be easily measured numerically by converting them into a numerical format. The lowest and highest definitions of the parameters to be evaluated are written on both ends of a 100 mm line. The patient is asked to mark the most appropriate value (location) between these two extreme points. When this scale is used for pain, the numbers "0" are written on one end to indicate no pain and "10" are written on the other end to indicate the most severe pain, and this is converted into a template, numbers between 0-10 are placed on the line and the patient is asked to choose the closest number.
1 secondary outcome
Assessment of Functional Capacity
Time frame: before and after treatment (at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks)
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 11 Aug 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 35854659Bozgeyik S, Kinikli GI, Topal Y, Beydagi MG, Turhan E, Kilinc HE, Guney-Deniz H. Supervised exercises have superior effects compared to home-based exercises for patients with knee osteoarthritis following platelet-rich plasma injection. Res Sports Med. 2024 Mar-Apr;32(2):279-289. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2022.2102920. Epub 2022 Jul 19.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Due to the small sample size and ethical restrictions regarding patient confidentiality in this single-center study, individual participant data will not be publicly shared. However, aggregated data will be available upon reasonable request.
Related trials for Bicipital Tendonitis
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Comparison of the Effectiveness Heavy Slow Resistance and Eccentric Training in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise and Deep friction massage in people with Bicipital Tendonitis, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 9 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 11 Aug 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Pain Assessment (time frame: before-after treatment (baseline, 6th week and 12th week)). 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 NCT07030972, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 11 Aug 2026.