How the nervous system affects recovery from painful shoulder injuries.
Official title: Nervous system influences on recovery from painful rotator cuff tears
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11084468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nervous system affects recovery for people with rotator cuff tears, to help figure out which patients might get the most relief from certain pain treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080058-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing rotator cuff tears, particularly those with chronic pain symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute rotator cuff injuries who do not have chronic pain symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the nervous system in the recovery process for individuals suffering from rotator cuff tears. It aims to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specific pain interventions by examining the relationship between brain function, injury chronicity, and pain symptoms. The study employs advanced neuroimaging techniques and clinical assessments to explore how pain processing impacts recovery outcomes. By understanding these connections, the research seeks to optimize treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatment options for patients with rotator cuff tears, improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the nervous system in pain management, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pozzi, Federico — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Pozzi, Federico
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Predicting How Exercise Helpful Rotator Cuff Tears Will Turn Out
Aimed at people with rotator cuff tears, the grant investigates how a personalized exercise program might lead to better shoulder function and fewer surgeries.
-
Nervous system role in recovering from painful rotator cuff tears
This project looks at how brain and nervous system factors influence recovery and pain after rotator cuff tears to help tailor treatments for people suffering from this condition.
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Turning harmful shoulder fat into healing beige fat with targeted nanomedicine
This project uses tiny medicine-filled nanoparticles to turn the harmful fat that builds up in torn shoulder muscles into healing, energy-burning fat to help people recover after rotator cuff tears.
-
Biomusculoskeletal drivers of shoulder pain in rotator cuff tears
A research project will explore why some people with a torn rotator cuff have pain and others don’t by looking at nerves, brain signals, and shoulder muscle control.
-
Genetic links to rotator cuff tears and muscle fatty change
This project looks for genetic differences that raise the risk of rotator cuff tears, lead to fatty changes in shoulder muscles, and influence outcomes after surgery or physical therapy for people with atraumatic rotator cuff tears.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.