Improving pain management after rotator cuff surgery with education

The Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education on Patients Undergoing Surgical Repair of Moderate-Sized Rotator Cuff Tears

Istinye University · NCT06886932

This study tests if adding education about pain to regular rehab helps people aged 40-75 recover better and feel less pain after rotator cuff surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstinye University (other)
Locations1 site (Karaman)
Trial IDNCT06886932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) combined with conventional rehabilitation on pain management and functional outcomes in patients undergoing mini-open rotator cuff repair. Participants aged 40-75 with medium-sized rotator cuff tears will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional rehabilitation alone or rehabilitation with PNE delivered before or after surgery. The study aims to evaluate how PNE can help reduce pain and improve recovery by addressing psychosocial factors such as fear of movement and anxiety.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-75 diagnosed with a medium-sized rotator cuff tear and scheduled for mini-open surgical repair.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as adhesive capsulitis, previous shoulder surgeries, or systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients after rotator cuff surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While PNE has shown effectiveness in chronic pain conditions, its application in acute postoperative settings like rotator cuff repair is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of a medium-sized rotator cuff tear (1-3 cm) confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and scheduled for surgical repair Age between 40 and 75 years Sufficient Turkish language proficiency to understand and complete the informed consent form and assessment scales Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24, indicating adequate cognitive function for study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

Corticosteroid injection received within the last 6 weeks Adhesive capsulitis, defined as loss of passive external rotation greater than 50% or 30° History of previous cervical, thoracic, or shoulder surgery Presence of cervical radiculopathy, characterized by pain and tingling radiating to the arm due to nerve root involvement Acromioclavicular joint pathology or shoulder instability causing shoulder pain Full-thickness rotator cuff tear Calcific tendinitis Systemic diseases (e.g., inflammatory arthritis, malignancy) or neurological disorders (e.g., fibromyalgia, other neurological deficits) Fracture, labral lesion, or biceps tendon injury in the affected shoulder Prior participation in a chronic pain psychological management program or presence of generalized body pain

Where this trial is running

Karaman

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 Tears, Postoperative Pain Management, Shoulder Dysfunction, Kinesiophobia, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Pain Neuroscience Education, Rotator Cuff Tear, Shoulder Surgery Outcomes

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.