Surgery or exercise? new study pits shoulder replacement against a 12-Week workout plan
NCT ID NCT04845074
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two treatments for severe shoulder arthritis: total shoulder replacement surgery followed by rehab, versus a 12-week exercise program with a physiotherapist. Researchers want to see if surgery leads to better pain relief and function than exercise alone. The trial involves 102 adults aged 55-85 who are eligible for shoulder replacement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Shoulder replacement surgery or a 12-week exercise program
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that a structured exercise program is as effective as surgery for some people with shoulder osteoarthritis, potentially avoiding the need for an operation.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small trial (102 participants) and results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program requires commitment, and surgery carries standard risks like infection or complications.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Aalborg University Hospital
Farsø, 9640, Denmark
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Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus, 8200, Denmark
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Esbjerg Hospital
Esbjerg, 6700, Denmark
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Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, 4956, Norway
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Silkeborg Regional Hospital
Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark
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Tampere University Hospital
Tampere, 33521, Finland
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Viborg Regional Hospital
Viborg, 8800, Denmark