CHPS RESEARCH STUDIES

A Pilot Study Comparing Two Treatment Approaches for Individuals with Irritable Shoulder Pain

The primary purpose of this research study is to compare two rehabilitation approaches in individuals with shoulder pain based on tissue irritability levels. Tissue Irritability is a clinical characteristic of musculoskeletal pain that is a composite definition of pain intensity and changes in pain during movement.

During the study, you will complete questionnaires, have your sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure tested, and undergo an assessment of your shoulder pain. You will then complete a rehabilitation protocol consisting of shoulder exercises with resistance bands or dumbbells, stretching, range of motion, functional training and education interventions. You will either be assigned to receive exercise progressed based on a quota along with pain education or based on pain response to exercise along with education on the activity progression. You will come to the lab for 2x/week for 4 weeks. Each session is approximately 30 minutes-1 hour.

Inclusion Qualifications:

Be 18-60 years old
Experiencing shoulder pain that is at least 3/10 pain intensity (0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable) within the past 24 hours
English Speaking

Exclusion Qualifications:

You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:

Medical conditions that affect sensation, such as uncontrolled diabetes
History of shoulder surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
History of a chronic pain condition, such as fibromyalgia
Any blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia
Any condition that would prevent you from direct exposure to ice or icy water, such as:
- uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg)
- Cold urticaria (develop hives when exposed to cold)
- Cryoglobulinemia (condition in which you have abnormal protein in the blood causing the blood to become thick when exposed to cold)
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (autoimmune condition causing the destruction of blood cells after cold exposure)
- Circulatory compromise (blood that does not flow to your arms and legs correctly)
Currently pregnant
Exceed safety thresholds for heat and pressure testing
Currently receiving physical therapy to treat shoulder pain

Participate in this Research

Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed.

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