Retraining the brain to unfreeze the shoulder: a promising new therapy?

NCT ID NCT05372497

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding brain-based treatments—like pain education and sensory training—to standard physical therapy helps people with frozen shoulder more than therapy alone. 21 adults with chronic frozen shoulder were split into two groups: one received only conventional physiotherapy, the other got that plus a 4-week central nervous system focused program. The goal was to see if the extra training could reduce pain, improve movement, and change how patients think about their pain.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

central nervous system focused therapy (pain education, sensory training, graded motor imagery, mirror therapy) plus conventional physiotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could offer a more effective way to reduce pain and improve shoulder function in people with frozen shoulder, potentially shortening recovery time.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The added therapy is time-intensive, and benefits over standard care may be modest.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bursitis frozen shoulder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Istanbul Medipol University Esenler Hospital

    Istanbul, Istanbul, 34230, Turkey (Türkiye)