Pulsed radiofrequency versus conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in painful shoulder: a prospective, randomized study

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

40 participants between the ages of 18 and 80, who had been experiencing shoulder pain for at least three months were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups, a pulsed radiofrequency or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, to compare the effectiveness of each method for the treatment of shoulder pain. Results of the study indicated that both treatments were effective in the management of shoulder pain, but there were no significant differences between two treatments in terms of VAS, range of motion, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (except total score), SF36 sub scores, or paracetamol consumption at any time point. The only difference between the two groups occurred in the first week of treatment, where results demonstrated that pulsed radiofrequency treatment lead to a significantly greater Shoulder Pain and disability Index total score.