Comparing Cognitive Functional Therapy and Therapeutic Exercises for Adults with Chronic Shoulder Pain An 8-Week Randomized Study on Pain and Function Improvements

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating treatments for chronic shoulder pain, a condition that affects physical function and mental well-being. This study compares Cognitive Functional Therapy CFT, a physiotherapy approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects of pain, with standard therapeutic exercises. The goal is to see which approach better improves pain intensity, disability, and other related factors like sleep quality and self-efficacy. The trial is randomized and single-blinded, involving 72 adults aged 18 to 60 with chronic shoulder pain. Participants will be assigned to either CFT, receiving weekly one-hour sessions for eight weeks, or to the therapeutic exercise group, with two sessions per week lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. CFT focuses on understanding pain, controlled exposure to movements, and lifestyle changes, while the exercise group performs stretching and strengthening exercises targeting specific shoulder muscles. Participants will be evaluated at the start, halfway through 4 weeks, at the end of treatment 8 weeks, and at 12-week follow-up. Assessments include pain intensity, disability, shoulder function, self-efficacy, sleep quality, biopsychosocial factors, perception of improvement, and measures of central pain processing. This comprehensive monitoring helps researchers understand the effects of each therapy over time.

Cognitive Functional Therapy for Treating Individuals With Chronic Shoulder Pain