The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of two percutaneous stimulation techniques-Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (PENS) and Percutaneous Electrolysis (PE)-combined with a therapeutic exercise (TE) program for the shoulder joint complex, on pain and function in individuals with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy.
The main question this study seeks to answer is: Would incorporating percutaneous electrical stimulation (PENS) of the axillary and suprascapular nerves and galvanic percutaneous stimulation (PE) of the supraspinatus tendon into a therapeutic exercise (TE) program for the shoulder joint complex improve therapeutic outcomes in terms of pain, function, and upper limb disability? Based on an exercise program in all groups, researchers will compare the efficacy of active PENS and PE, as well as placebo, in all their combinations.
Participants will undergo a 12-week exercise program, during which they will receive four sessions (one session per week) of active percutaneous electrical stimulation or a placebo during the first month.
Participants will:
* Visit the center on four separate occasions for results measurement. * Keep a session log to verify adherence to the exercise program.
Subjects attending the shoulder unit of the traumatology and orthopedic surgery service at Clínica HLA Vistahermosa (TraumaVist) who are clinically diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy (M75.1 Rotator cuff tendinopathy - ICD-10), according to the following criteria (Desmeules et al., 2025).
Participants of both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy, or any of the related terms, provided they also meet the conditions detailed below.
Painful symptoms associated with the insertion area of the supraspinatus tendon, present for at least 3 months, of non-traumatic origin, which increase with palpation (score equal to or greater than 3/10 on a numerical pain scale) and with resisted movements, and not associated with signs of nerve root irritation.
Structural changes in the supraspinatus tendon (tendinosis), observed via ultrasound or MRI, and confirmed by a specialist physician.
Intratendinous calcification in the supraspinatus muscle.
Partial or complete tear of any rotator cuff structure.
Serious illnesses, diabetes, or systemic inflammatory disease.
Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy).