Investigating how central sensitization affects shoulder pain treatment outcomes

Investigation of the Effect of Pre-treatment Central Sensitization Severity on Steroid Injection Results in Rotator Cuff-induced Shoulder Pain

Observational Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · NCT06404125

This study is trying to see if people with more sensitivity to pain get less relief from steroid injections for shoulder problems like rotator cuff injuries and impingement.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Academic / other
Locations1 site (İstanbul, Üsküdar)
Trial IDNCT06404125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between the severity of central sensitization and the effectiveness of steroid injections in patients suffering from rotator cuff lesions and subacromial impingement syndrome. It hypothesizes that patients with higher levels of central sensitization will experience poorer treatment responses to these injections. The study will assess various factors, including range of motion, pain pressure thresholds, and patient-reported pain levels, to better understand the multifactorial nature of shoulder pain. By examining these relationships, the study seeks to provide insights into optimizing treatment strategies for chronic shoulder pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with clinically confirmed rotator cuff pathology who have not responded to medical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder trauma, previous shoulder surgery, or those with active cancer or systemic inflammatory diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for patients with chronic shoulder pain, enhancing their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on central sensitization in shoulder pain, this specific investigation into its impact on treatment response is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinically and radiographically confirmed rotator cuff pathology
* Being between the ages of 18-65
* Non-response to medical treatment
* Being literate
* To agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of shoulder trauma and previous shoulder surgery
* Injection in the shoulder area in the last 3 months
* History of active cancer, systemic inflammatory disease and infection
* Pregnancy
* Under 18 and over 65 years of age
* Illiteracy
* Refusal to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

İstanbul, Üsküdar

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.
Conditions Rotator Cuff LesionSubacromial Impingement SyndromeShoulder PainChronic Paincentral sensitizationchronic painSubacromialShoulder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.