Can a phone app replace physical therapy for shoulder pain?

NCT ID NCT07536009

First seen Apr 20, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 10 times

Summary

This study compares a home-based digital rehab program to standard in-person physical therapy for people with shoulder pain (subacromial impingement). About 82 adults will be randomly assigned to either a 12-24 week digital program using a smartphone or computer, or conventional in-person therapy. The goal is to see if the digital option works just as well for improving shoulder function and reducing pain.

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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.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

What this could mean

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

Active substance

digital physical therapy (telerehabilitation) delivered via a smartphone, tablet, or computer

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a convenient, effective home-based alternative to in-person physical therapy for shoulder pain, making treatment more accessible.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial (82 people) comparing two approaches, not testing a new drug. The digital program may not work as well as in-person therapy for everyone, and results may not apply to all patients.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

shoulder impingement syndrome Shoulder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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