Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Exercises for Chronic Shoulder Pain

Launched by UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SAO CARLOS · Feb 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a treatment called cognitive functional therapy is more effective than traditional therapeutic exercises for people suffering from chronic shoulder pain. The goal is to see if cognitive functional therapy can help reduce pain and disability, as well as improve functionality and mental well-being in individuals with this condition.

To participate, you need to be between the ages of 18 and 65 and have had shoulder pain for at least three months, with a pain level of at least 3 out of 10. You will receive either 4 to 8 sessions of cognitive functional therapy or follow a specific exercise program twice a week for eight weeks. It’s important to note that certain conditions, like previous shoulder surgeries or specific types of shoulder problems, may prevent you from joining the study. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into effective treatments for chronic shoulder pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years, will be included if they have had shoulder pain for at least 3 months and report a pain intensity of at least 3 points on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at rest or during arm movement. Additionally, they must have a minimum score of 20 points on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals will not be included if they have adhesive capsulitis, defined as a loss of more than 50% of passive shoulder range of motion in external rotation; previous shoulder surgery; a history of shoulder fracture; systemic musculoskeletal diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia); shoulder pain reproduced by active or passive cervical spine movement; signs of glenohumeral instability identified by a positive sulcus test or a positive apprehension test indicating laxity in the glenohumeral joint; self-reported systemic disease; a positive drop arm test; pregnancy; active cancer treatment; neurological diseases; cognitive impairments; corticosteroid injection within three months prior to the intervention; or physical therapy in the three months preceding the study.
• • Participants will be discontinued from the study if they experience fractures, surgeries, musculoskeletal or neural injuries that prevent access to treatment, or receive corticosteroid injections during the treatment or follow-up period.