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Exercise into Pain in Chronic Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 6-Month
Claudia Cavaggion1, Alejandro Luque-Suarez2,3, Lennard Voogt4,5
1Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 5, 2024
Summary
Exercising into pain is not necessary for treating rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Studies show no significant difference in outcomes whether pain is provoked or avoided during exercise therapy for RCRSP.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Exercise therapy is the primary treatment for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP).
- The efficacy of exercising into pain versus avoiding pain during therapy remains unclear.
Observation:
- A randomized controlled trial compared exercising into pain versus exercising without pain in 43 participants with chronic RCRSP over 12 weeks with a 6-month follow-up.
- Primary outcome was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); secondary outcomes included pain intensity, fear-avoidance beliefs, quality of life, strength, and range of motion.
Findings:
- No significant between-group differences were observed in SPADI scores or any secondary outcomes up to 6 months post-intervention.
- This suggests that pain provocation during exercise therapy does not enhance treatment effects for RCRSP.
Implications:
- Pain provocation is not a necessary component for successful exercise therapy in RCRSP.
- These findings support the approach of avoiding pain during exercise to manage RCRSP effectively.
