Do you have shoulder arthritis and want to learn more about non-surgical options for managing your pain? The UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Upper Extremity Team is currently recruiting volunteers for a clinical research study examining how physical therapy and home exercise affect patients with shoulder arthritis.
This study may be of particular interest to people in Buffalo, Western New York and Southern Ontario who have been diagnosed with arthritis of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder and are interested in exploring non-surgical approaches to shoulder pain and function.
Participants will need to be evaluated in person, so we encourage patients in the Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, and surrounding Western New York communities who meet the study criteria to contact Dr. Matthew DiPaola’s office for more information.
What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis can develop when the cartilage covering the surfaces of the shoulder joint becomes damaged or worn. The shoulder’s main ball-and-socket joint is known as the glenohumeral joint. Arthritis in this joint can lead to symptoms such as shoulder pain, stiffness, loss of motion, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
For some patients, shoulder arthritis can make it difficult to reach overhead, exercise, perform physical work, get dressed, or sleep comfortably.
Treatment does not always begin with surgery. Depending on the patient and the severity of the arthritis, non-surgical treatment may be considered as part of a shoulder arthritis treatment plan.
Studying Physical Therapy and Home Exercise for Shoulder Arthritis
The University at Buffalo orthopaedic team is conducting this clinical study to examine how physical therapy and home exercise affect patients with shoulder arthritis.
Research like this can help physicians better understand the role non-surgical treatments may play in helping people manage shoulder arthritis symptoms.
For patients interested in alternatives to surgery, studies examining physical therapy and exercise are particularly important. The information gathered through clinical research can contribute to a better understanding of treatment options and help advance shoulder care for future patients.
Who May Qualify for the Shoulder Arthritis Study?
You may be eligible to participate if:
- You have been diagnosed with arthritis of the ball-and-socket joint of your shoulder.
- You have not had surgery on the affected shoulder within the past year.
- You are not scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery within the next six months.
These are important initial criteria, but they do not necessarily determine final eligibility. Patients who are interested should contact Dr. DiPaola’s office to learn more and schedule an evaluation.
Why Participate in Shoulder Arthritis Research?
Clinical research is an important part of improving how orthopedic conditions are treated. By studying patients with shoulder arthritis, researchers can gather information that may help physicians better understand the effects of physical therapy and home exercise.
For participants, the study also provides an opportunity to contribute to research focused specifically on shoulder arthritis and non-surgical care.
Research conducted here in Buffalo and Western New York can ultimately contribute to a broader body of knowledge used by shoulder specialists and other healthcare professionals.
Looking for Non-Surgical Shoulder Arthritis Options in Western New York?
If you have been diagnosed with shoulder arthritis but are not currently planning shoulder replacement surgery, this study may be worth exploring.
The study requires an evaluation, so it is best suited for people who can travel to the Buffalo, New York area for the necessary in-person visits.
Patients from Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, Hamburg, Niagara Falls, and other communities throughout Western New York who are interested in the study are encouraged to contact us to discuss potential eligibility.
Helps physician continue to study shoulder arthritis
Even if the study isn’t right for you, sharing this information with a friend or family member who has shoulder arthritis may help us connect with people who qualify.
Participation in clinical research helps physicians continue to study shoulder arthritis and explore approaches that may improve care for patients here in Western New York and beyond.