Comparing Graston Technique to Traditional Physiotherapy for Shoulder Rehabilitation

The Effectiveness of Graston Tecnique Compared to Traditional Physiotherapy to Improve Shoulder Range of Motion After Arthroscopic Cuff Repair.

NA · Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT05315440

This study is testing if the Graston Technique can help people recover faster and move their shoulders better after surgery compared to regular physiotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (other)
Locations1 site (Bologna, BO)
Trial IDNCT05315440 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Graston Technique, an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization method, compared to traditional physiotherapy in improving the range of motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The research aims to determine if incorporating this technique into the rehabilitation protocol can accelerate recovery times following a 40-day immobilization period. By analyzing patient outcomes, the study seeks to provide insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for shoulder recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with partial tendon lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with traumatic tendon lesions or pre-existing shoulder stiffness conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster recovery times and improved range of motion for patients undergoing shoulder rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is conflicting evidence regarding rehabilitation protocols, this specific comparison of Graston Technique with traditional methods is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
* partial lesion due to tendon degeneration (1 or 2 anchors reparation)

Exclusion Criteria:

* traumatic tendon lesions
* associated conditions as arthritis, loss of superficial sensitivity, loss of muscle tone, mental impairment, oncological conditions
* shoulder stiffness before surgery due to calcific tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis

Where this trial is running

Bologna, BO

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cuff Tear Arthropathy, shoulder rehabilitation, range of motion, rotator cuff repair, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilitation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.