Postoperative rotator cuff rehabilitation for function, pain, and sleep quality

Postoperative Rotator Cuff: Functional, Pain and Sleep Quality

Not applicable Interventional Trimedkine · NCT07135375

This trial tests whether a rehab program tailored to the number of tendons repaired works better than a standard program for people over 50 after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to improve function, pain, mobility, and sleep quality.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTrimedkine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Temuco and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07135375 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients over 50 who have undergone arthroscopic repair of one or more rotator cuff tendons will follow either a differentiated rehabilitation protocol based on the number of tendons repaired or a standard rehabilitation protocol beginning after the usual 4–6 week immobilization period. Therapy continues through the early postoperative rehabilitation phase (up to 12 weeks at the participating physical therapy center), with outcomes measured for shoulder function, pain levels, subjective sleep quality, and mobility. The trial excludes patients who develop postoperative stiffness/adhesive capsulitis, have cervical radiculopathy, preexisting sleep disorders, or neurological/cognitive impairments that prevent following instructions. The study is carried out at a physical therapy center in Temuco and compares the two protocols to see which leads to better recovery profiles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 50 who have had arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of one or more tendons, can attend in-person physical therapy up to 12 weeks postoperatively, and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who develop postoperative stiffness/adhesive capsulitis, have cervical radiculopathy, previously diagnosed sleep disorders, or neurological/cognitive conditions that impair following instructions are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a tendon-number–based rehab protocol could speed recovery and lead to better shoulder function, less pain, and improved sleep after rotator cuff repair.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies of structured or tear-size–based postoperative rehab have shown modest improvements in function and pain, but evidence is mixed and clear standardized guidelines are still lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People over 50 years of age
* People have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff of one or more tendons.
* Patients must sign informed consent and undergo physical therapy center (up to week 12 postoperatively).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who develop postoperative stiffness or adhesive capsulitis during the rehabilitation process.
* Patients with symptoms of cervical radiculopathy or previously diagnosed sleep disorders.
* Patients with neurological or cognitive disorders who have difficulty following instructions

Where this trial is running

Temuco and 1 other locations

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 InjuriesFunctionalityPainSleepRehabilitationRotator CuffRotator cuff
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.