About this trial
This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve using suprascapular notch and midpoint approaches on pain, shoulder function, and muscle strength in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Clinical evaluations will include pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional assessment using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life assessment using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). In addition, shoulder range of motion will be measured goniometrically, muscle thickness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus will be evaluated by ultrasonography, and shoulder muscle strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the optimal approach for PRF treatment of the suprascapular nerve in patients with chronic shoulder pain.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Patients aged between 40 and 80 years
Patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting longer than 3 months
Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
Patients who show at least 50% pain reduction after diagnostic suprascapular nerve block
Disqualifiers
Adhesive capsulitis
Previous shoulder surgery
Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Notch Approach)
- PRF of the Suprascapular Nerve (Midpoint Approach)