Evaluating a soothing cream for upper limb pain relief
Efficacy of Soothing Cream Jel in Improving the Range of Motion and Chronic Pain at Shoulder and Elbow: A Double-blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a soothing cream can help people aged 18 to 60 with chronic shoulder or elbow pain feel better and move their arms more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05799391 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of a soothing cream jel in alleviating chronic pain and improving the range of motion in the upper limbs. Participants aged 18 to 60 who experience chronic shoulder or elbow pain will be screened and randomized to receive either the soothing cream or a placebo for a duration of two weeks, followed by a two-week post-treatment observation period. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of topical treatments for upper extremity problems.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 who engage in regular physical activity and have chronic pain in the shoulder or elbow lasting more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with pain due to fractures, severe medical conditions, or those who have recently undergone specific treatments for upper limb pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for patients suffering from chronic upper limb pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using topical treatments for pain relief is common, the specific efficacy of this soothing cream jel is being evaluated for the first time in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-60; 2. Participates in regular physical activity, at least once a week for 30 minutes; 3. Chronic pain in the shoulder or elbow longer than 3 months; 4. 11-items Numeric pain rating scale ≥4; and 5. Willing to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. The patient had received previous physiotherapy, acupuncture, Tui Na massage, or bone-setting treatment for distal upper limb pain within the past 2 weeks; 2. The pain was due to a fracture or known complex regional pain syndrome. 3. History of upper limb surgery; 4. Known severe medical conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiac, renal, hepatic, hematological diseases, vertigo, seizure, infection, malignancy, neurological impairment); 5. Concomitant drugs of NSAIDs, any kind of painkillers, or anti-inflammatory drugs 15 days prior to randomization; 6. Known impaired hematological profile and liver / renal function; 7. Known allergic history to any topical cream; 8. Known pregnant or lactating; or 9. Unable to complete questionnaires
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zhixiu Lin — Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cho Wing Lo
- Email: louislo@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 35053476
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.