Rotator Cuff Syndrome

13

Review clinical trials related to Rotator Cuff Syndrome. Use filters to narrow results by trial status, phase, treatment, biological sex and sponsor.

Condition / disease
Location
Status: Not yet recruiting

Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the shoulder and is frequently associated with pain, reduced muscle strength, and impaired upper extremity function. Although previous studies have primarily focused on structural and functional changes around the shoulder, little is known about the potential adaptations occurring in the distal upper extremity, particularly the forearm muscles and tendons. Altered upper extremity use, pain-related muscle inhibition, and compensatory movement patterns associated with prolonged shoulder pain may lead to morphological changes in the forearm musculature and tendons. However, the relationship between symptom duration and these structural adaptations has not yet been investigated. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate forearm muscle and tendon thickness using portable ultrasonography in individuals with RCRSP and to investigate whether these parameters differ according to symptom duration. In addition, hand grip strength, pain intensity, and upper extremity function will be assessed to explore their associations with ultrasonographic findings. The findings of this study are expected to provide new insights into distal upper extremity adaptations associated with RCRSP and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that address not only the shoulder but also the forearm musculature.

Participants needed: 90
Trial details
Age: 18-65Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran UniversitesiUpdated: Jun 23, 2026Duration: 1 Day
Eligibility criteria

Not listed

Status: Not yet recruiting

Mobilization With Movement in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Mobilization With Movement (MWM) combined with exercise therapy on tendon morphology, pain, and functional outcomes in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. A total of approximately 60 participants diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy will be randomly assigned to either an exercise-only group or an exercise plus MWM group. All participants will undergo a standardized rehabilitation program for 8 weeks. Clinical outcomes, including pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), shoulder function (SPADI and QuickDASH), range of motion, muscle strength, proprioception, and psychosocial status (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Central Sensitization Inventory), will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, ultrasound imaging will be used to evaluate tendon morphology, including tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, acromiohumeral distance, echogenicity, and vascularity. The primary objective is to determine whether MWM produces superior improvements in clinical outcomes and whether it is associated with measurable changes in tendon structure as assessed by ultrasound. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying manual therapy in rotator cuff tendinopathy and to provide evidence for its role in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Participants needed: 60
Trial details
Age: 18-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran UniversitesiUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Eligibility criteria

Age between 18 and 65 years [+4]

Full-thickness or large rotator cuff tear confirmed by ultrasound or MRI [+9]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Versus Neil Asher Technique Oin Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) and the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) are manual therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. This study compares their effects on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.

Participants needed: 36
Trial details
Age: 40-60Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Riphah International UniversityUpdated: Jun 12, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age 40-60 years [+2]

Cardiac issues (e.g., myocardial infarction) [+6]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Estradiol Supplementation and Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are common causes of pain and disability, often fail to heal with surgery, and tears, worse outcomes after surgery, and failure of healing are associated with estradiol deficiency. In this study, post-menopausal women will be randomized to either estradiol patches or placebo patches after repair of the rotator cuff. The purpose of this study is to determine whether estradiol patches show promise in improving shoulder pain, strength, muscle volumes, and function when given with rotator cuff repair.

Participants needed: 58
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 50-80Biological sex: FemaleType: InterventionalSponsor: University of UtahUpdated: Mar 19, 2026
Eligibility criteria

A plan for a primary rotator cuff repair [+4]

Active infection [+15]

Status: Recruiting

Study Comparing Two Anesthetics for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The purpose of this study is to to compare the post-anesthetic recovery time to awake consciousness and hemodynamic and ventilatory capacities for discharge from the Post-Interventional Monitoring Room in patients admitted for shoulder rotator cuff arthroscopy (using local anesthesia versus general anesthesia + local anesthesia).

Participants needed: 34
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: GCS Ramsay Santé pour l'Enseignement et la RechercheUpdated: Mar 16, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥ 18 years; [+6]

Contraindication to general or locoregional anesthesia; [+6]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Virtual Reality Intervention in Patients With Persistent Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is very common and can make daily activities difficult. Many people have shoulder pain for a long time, even after treatment. Common shoulder problems include pain from the shoulder muscles and tendons, a frozen shoulder, or an unstable shoulder. Unfortunately, both surgery and physiotherapy often help only a little. This can be due to many reasons, such as people not continuing their exercises, fear of moving the shoulder, incorrect beliefs about pain, other health problems, or lifestyle factors. Virtual Reality (VR) is a new and promising technology that is already being used to help people with long-lasting pain. By using a VR headset, people can exercise in a motivating and engaging virtual environment. VR may help reduce fear of movement, improve how people feel about their body, make movement easier, and help people stick to their exercises. However, there is still very little research on using VR for long-lasting shoulder pain. The goal of this study is to find out whether a home-based VR exercise program for people with ongoing shoulder complaints is practical and acceptable. The investigators want to know if people are willing and able to use VR at home, whether they continue the treatment, and whether it shows early signs of reducing pain and limitations. They also want to understand who benefits most from VR, in which situations it works best, and why it may or may not help. People aged 16 years and older who have had shoulder pain and limitations for more than three months can take part. This includes people with shoulder tendon-related pain, frozen shoulder, or shoulder instability. The study lasts six weeks and includes three parts. First, participants receive online educational videos about shoulder pain and movement. Second, they take part in three physiotherapy sessions: one in person and two online. Third, participants use a VR headset at home every day for about 15 minutes to perform guided shoulder and whole-body exercises, such as reaching or aiming tasks. The exercises gradually become more challenging. Participants receive clear written and video instructions, and technical support is available if needed. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and the VR system will record basic usage data. At the end of the study, group interviews will be held with participants and physiotherapists to talk about their experiences with VR and how it influenced pain, movement, and daily activities. Using VR is considered safe. Some people may experience mild and short-lasting side effects, such as dizziness, but serious problems are not expected. The main effort for participants is the time spent on exercises and completing questionnaires. The results of this study will help determine whether VR is a useful and realistic treatment option for people with long-lasting shoulder pain and will guide future, larger studies.

Participants needed: 30
Trial details
Age: 16+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: HAN University of Applied SciencesUpdated: Feb 9, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Unilateral shoulder pain NPRS ≥ 4/10, persisting longer than 3 months [+12]

Neurological disease affecting the shoulder [+5]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Effect Of Sleeping Posture Guidance On Sleep Quality In Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

This study investigates sleep quality in patients with Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) undergoing physical therapy treatment. Existing literature presents a gap regarding longitudinal studies evaluating the impact of physical therapy and different sleeping positions on sleep quality within this specific population. The central hypothesis is that physical therapy, combined with guidance on the best sleeping positions, reduces pain, improves shoulder function, and consequently promotes an improvement in sleep quality for RCS patients over time. The justification for this research lies in the need to better understand the relationship between physical therapy and sleep quality in RCS patients, aiming for the development of more effective and less invasive interventions. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic pain, a common symptom of RCS, is intrinsically linked to sleep disturbances, which can lead to deleterious effects such as dopamine reduction, alterations in the descending pain modulation system, and central sensitization. Improvements in sleep quality have been observed after surgical procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy and arthroplasty, often associated with improved function and pain reduction. Thus, this study seeks to longitudinally evaluate whether physical therapy is capable of promoting a sustained improvement in sleep quality for patients with RCS

Participants needed: 64
Trial details
Age: 18-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Federal University of São PauloUpdated: Jan 29, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS). [+5]

History of surgical procedures on the affected shoulder. [+4]

Status: Recruiting

Does Sarcopenia Influence Rotator Cuff Tear Patterns? Radiological Insights From Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass due to aging, which consequently leads to a decline in muscle function. It is considered an independent risk factor for falls and fractures, disability, postoperative complications, and mortality. Rotator cuff tears are known to be influenced by systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis. The aim of our study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between sarcopenia and rotator cuff tears, and if so, to determine the location and type of the tear.

Participants needed: 104
Trial details
Age: 40-75Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research HospitalUpdated: Nov 26, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients with rotator cuff syndrome [+1]

History of previous shoulder surgery [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Comparison of Rehabilitative Game Exercise and Body Awareness Therapy in Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome is one of the most common problems in the shoulder, starting as acute tendinopathy and progressing to partial and full thickness tears. Shoulder pain causes a decrease in shoulder joint movement, joint position sense, upper extremity function and quality of life. Among the most commonly used conservative treatment methods; Joint range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, mobilization and electrotherapy method are included. Nowadays, with the widespread use of technology in rehabilitation, video-based games have begun to be used for rehabilitative purposes in addition to conservative approaches. Although the effectiveness of video-based games has been extensively studied in diseases such as cerebral palsy, stroke and parkinsonism, there are a limited number of studies in the field of orthopedic rehabilitation, especially in shoulder rehabilitation. Basic body awareness therapy is used to treat chronic musculoskeletal-related painful conditions. In the literature, basic body awareness therapy has been studied in patient groups such as mental health, stroke patient groups, chronic musculoskeletal problems, chronic waist and neck pain, scoliosis and knee osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that the TBFT method provides improvements in individuals' body awareness, mobility in daily living activities, health-related quality of life, body image and pain intensity. However, no studies have been found in which basic body awareness therapy was used in the field of shoulder rehabilitation. Our study aims to compare the effectiveness of a rehabilitative game exercise program and body awareness training in terms of pain, joint range of motion, shoulder functionality, proprioception, body awareness, shoulder-related quality of life, kinesiophobia and patient satisfaction in individuals with Rotator cuff syndrome.

Participants needed: 66
Trial details
Age: 40-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Medipol UniversityUpdated: Oct 1, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Diagnosis of partial supraspinatus rupture by an Orthopedics and Traumatology sp... [+4]

Having had previous shoulder surgery, [+2]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Exercise vs. Supplements in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is a pathology characterized by pain and functional impairment originating from one or more rotator cuff tendons. The lifetime incidence of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is around 67%, with an annual incidence exceeding 1%. Many patients continue to experience pain and functional loss for up to one year, and more than half of the patients report shoulder pain persisting for over three years. The pathophysiology underlying rotator cuff-related shoulder pain continues to be a subject of ongoing research and uncertainty, with many aspects yet to be fully elucidated. The most common belief regarding its pathogenesis involves the role of inflammation. This hypothesis is supported by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in tendons, oxidative stress, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In tendon pathologies with inflammatory cell accumulation and increased cytokine levels, the use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in addition to conservative treatment contributes to tendon healing. Anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories are substances capable of preventing or delaying certain cell damage.The use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin C (Vit-C), Vitamin D (Vit-D), Omega-3, and Magnesium (Mg) is recommended. Despite indicating exercise as the gold standard for managing rotator cuff-related shoulder pain and the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of the mentioned supplements, there are still gaps in the understanding of their effectiveness in rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Based on these gaps, the goal of this study is to investigate the effects of supplements (Vit-C, Vit-D, Omega-3, and Mg) given in addition to exercise on patients' blood parameters (TNF-a, IL-6, and CRP levels), pain, functional status, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain.

Participants needed: 58
Trial details
Age: 40-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUpdated: Mar 24, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Being over the age of 40 [+2]

Having full-thickness or massive rotator cuff tear, [+9]

Status: Recruiting

ADDITIONAL EFFECTS OF MOBILIZATION WITH MOVEMENT WITH UPPER QUADRANT CORE STRENGTHENING IN ROTATOR CUFF RELATED PAIN:A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRAIL

This study is a randomised control trial and the purpose of this study is to determine the additional effects of mobilization with movement with upper quadrant core strengthening in rotator cuff related pain .

Participants needed: 40
Trial details
Age: 18-65Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Foundation University IslamabadUpdated: Dec 9, 2024Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age 18-65 years [+7]

History and Clinical presentation compatible with complete rotator cuff or bicep... [+17]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Digital Physiotherapy Treatment for Patients With Subacromial Pain Compared to Usual Physiotherapy in Primary Care

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a digital treatment for patients with subacromial pain using the digital Shoulder Aid (diSAID) strategy. The participants in this study will be randomly assigned to digital treatment (diSAID) or to receive the treatment that is currently available in primary care, i.e. continue according to usual practice. The main question this clinical trial aims to answer are: \- Can the diSAID improve shoulder function and reduce pain for patients with subacromial pain in primary care?

Participants needed: 120
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Region ÖstergötlandUpdated: Feb 23, 2024Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

>18 years old [+7]

Symptoms are related to a traumatic event in the last 6 months with suspected ro... [+4]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Outcomes of Massive Rotator Cuff Tendon Tear Treatment.

Rotator cuff tear is the leading cause of shoulder pain in the elderly. There isn't enough evidence nor clinical guidelines to guide the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears, specially irreparable tears. Arthroscopic partial repair has been widely used and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), either with allograft, autograft or augmentation with long head biceps brachii tendon (LHBBT), has been recently added. It is showing promising results, but lacking high quality evidence. This is a prospective clinical study to compare the outcomes of different surgical methods for massive rotator cuff tendon tears. Minimal follow-up time will be two years. In this trial, massive rotator cuff tears will be anatomically repaired if possible. For irreparable tears a method will be randomly assigned intra-operatively once a tear is determined to be irreparable - either partial repair or partial repair with superior capsular reconstruction using the long head biceps brachii (LHBB) tendon. Patients who are eligible for the study but refuse operative treatment, will serve as conservative study group. The hypothesis is that massive rotator cuff tears that are reparable will have the best functional outcomes. For irreparable tears, augmentation with LHBBT will give superior results over partial repair.

Participants needed: 80
Trial details
Age: 50-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Tartu University HospitalUpdated: Nov 24, 2023
Eligibility criteria

Massive rotator cuff tendon tear: grade III according to Davidson and Burkhart 2... [+6]

Previous rotator cuff surgery of the index shoulder. [+11]