Education on pain neuroscience for shoulder pain relief

Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain

NA · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06677450

This study tests if teaching people about pain and combining it with exercise can help those with rotator cuff shoulder pain feel better and improve their daily life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06677450 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of pain neuroscience education combined with exercise for patients suffering from rotator cuff related shoulder pain. The study aims to address the multifaceted nature of shoulder pain, particularly focusing on psychological factors that contribute to persistent pain. Participants will receive education to help them reconceptualize their understanding of pain, which may lead to improvements in pain intensity, disability, and overall quality of life. The trial will assess various outcomes, including pain beliefs and knowledge, to evaluate the impact of this educational approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 65 with chronic shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months and specific clinical findings related to rotator cuff injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic inflammatory shoulder pain, recent shoulder injuries, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic shoulder pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for pain neuroscience education in managing musculoskeletal pain, suggesting potential success for this approach in shoulder pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being aged between 40 and 65 years
* Presence of shoulder pain for at least 3 months
* At least one positive finding in each of the following categories; 1) Painful arc finding during flexion or abduction, 2) Positive Neer's or Kennedy-Hawkins Tests, 3) Pain with resisted external rotation, abduction or empty can test
* Pain level of at least 3 and at most 7 according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest
* Being literate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic inflammatory shoulder pain
* Having had a shoulder dislocation or fracture in the last 12 months
* Having had a shoulder surgery
* Having received physiotherapy or corticosteroid injection treatment for the shoulder in the last 3 months
* Presence of adhesive capsulitis (passive shoulder ROM \<50%)
* Presence of vision and hearing problems
* Having been diagnosed a disease that may cause neurological-cognitive changes and prevents understanding the content of the ANE program

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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: Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain, Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder Tendinopathy, shoulder, pain, rotator cuff tear, pain neuroscience

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.