Study Summary

Twenty-four patients with painful shoulder periarthritis were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (UG-PRF, n=12) or ultrasound-guided dry needling (UG-DN, n=12). The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included shoulder function assessed by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), patient satisfaction using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and adverse events. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks posttreatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed significantly greater reductions in pain and SPADI scores in the UG-PRF group at both follow-up points. The majority of patients in this group also reported clinically meaningful improvement. These findings suggest that UG-PRF is more effective than UG-DN in reducing pain and improving function in patients with shoulder periarthritis.