Arthritis of the shoulder glenohumeral joint is a growing problem in an aging population. Treatment options for glenohumeral arthritis can be grouped into three main categories: 1) shoulder replacement surgery, 2) injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP) and physical therapy (PT). Surgery comes with risks and the potential for implant failure or revision over time. Therefore, it is typical for doctors to prescribe injections and/or PT before discussing surgery. Sometimes, insurance companies will require PT before considering a shoulder operation. It is unknown if PT is effective for improving function or pain with patients with glenohumeral arthritis. The aim of this study is to compare pain and functional outcomes after undergoing a 12 week PT program, at home PT exercises or delaying conservative treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patient diagnosed with glenohumeral arthritis
* Patient \> 18 years of age (adults)
* Patient provided written informed consent for study participation with IRB approved consent form
* Patient is willing and able to comply with scheduled clinical and radiographic evaluations and physical therapy regimen
Exclusion Criteria:
* -Have had corticosteroid injections in the affected shoulder(s) within 6 weeks of starting physical therapy.
* Those that have glenohumeral arthritis that is inflammatory, post traumatic or related to rotator cuff tear arthropathy in nature
* Have avascular necrosis of the glenohumeral joint
* Have failed a course of 6 weeks of physical therapy within the last year
* Have had surgery on the symptomatic shoulder in the past year
* Daily use of opioid (excluding tramadol or codeine).
* Have dementia
* Currently in a physical therapy program for more than 2 weeks
* Have planned total shoulder arthroplasty in the next 6 months.
* Live in a nursing home
* Additionally special populations listed below such as pregnant women, and prisoners will be excluded.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is enrolling by invitation only — can you tell me whether I would even be considered for an invitation, and what criteria are being used to identify candidates?
2Since this trial doesn't have a numbered phase, what does that mean for how much is already known about the safety and effectiveness of whatever treatment or intervention is being studied?
3The trial is measuring my shoulder pain using the Visual Analog Scale and the ASES score — can you walk me through what participating would actually involve in terms of visits, assessments, or procedures, and how that fits with my current treatment schedule?
4Before considering this trial, should I try any standard treatments for glenohumeral osteoarthritis first, like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or other options, and how might those affect my eligibility?
5If I were invited to join and later wanted to stop participating, would that affect my access to regular care for my shoulder arthritis?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.