Corticosteroid Versus PRP Injections for Shoulder Tendinopathy

Launched by HOPITAL CHARLES NICOLLE · Jul 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different types of injections to treat shoulder tendinopathy, a condition where the tendons in the shoulder become damaged or overused, causing pain and difficulty with daily activities. The trial compares corticosteroid injections, which are known to reduce inflammation and provide quick pain relief but may only work for a short time, with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is made from the patient’s own blood and may help the tendon heal over a longer period.

Adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with simple shoulder tendinopathy and have had shoulder pain for at least four weeks may be eligible to join. People who have had recent shoulder surgery, severe shoulder problems, certain inflammatory diseases, or recent corticosteroid injections are not eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroid or a PRP injection at Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunisia. They will have their pain levels and shoulder function checked before the injection, one week after, and again after three months to see which treatment works better in reducing pain and improving shoulder movement.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 years and older
• • Diagnosed with simple tendinopathy of the shoulder confirmed by clinical examination and imaging
• • Experiencing shoulder pain for at least 4 weeks
• • Able to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous shoulder surgery on the affected side
• • Presence of rotator cuff tear or severe shoulder pathology
• • Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
• • Recent corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder (within last 3 months)
• • Contraindications to corticosteroids or PRP treatment
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding