Efficacy of a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Conventional Physical Therapy, Combined With Ultrasound-guided Corticosteroids Injections, in Subacromial Bursitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Phase: PHASE1
Conditions: Subacromial Bursitis of the Shoulder, Chronic Shoulder Pain
Sponsor: University of Catanzaro

Study Protocol 
Official Title: 
Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections Combined with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular 
Facilitation versus Conventional Physiotherapy in Patients with Subacromial Bursitis: A Randomized 
Controlled Trial 
 
NCT number: pending 
Document Date: March 22nd 2026 
1. Background and Rationale 
Subacromial bursitis is a common cause of shoulder pain associated with functional limitation and reduced 
quality of life. Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections are widely used to reduce inflammation and 
pain, although their long-term effectiveness remains debated. Physiotherapy plays a key role in restoring 
shoulder function, but the optimal rehabilitation approach is still unclear. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular 
Facilitation (PNF) may enhance neuromuscular control and functional recovery. This study aims to 
evaluate the effectiveness of combining injections with different rehabilitation strategies. 
2. Study Objective 
To evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections combined with rehabilitation, 
and to compare PNF-based therapy with conventional physiotherapy in improving pain, function, and 
quality of life in patients with subacromial bursitis. 
3. Study Design 
Randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups (1:1 allocation). 
4. Participants 
Adults (≥18 years) with chronic shoulder pain (≥3 months) and pain intensity ≥4 on the Numeric Rating 
Scale (NRS). 
5. Intervention 
All participants receive 3 weekly ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injections (triamcinolone 
acetonide 40 mg + lidocaine). 
 
After injections: 
• Experimental group: PNF-based rehabilitation (10 sessions, 2 weeks) 
• Control group: Conventional physiotherapy (10 sessions, 2 weeks) 
6. Outcome Measures 
• Primary: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 
• Secondary: DASH, EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS, Range of Motion (ROM) 

 
Assessments at baseline, post-injection, post-rehabilitation, 3 months, and 6 months follow-up. 
7. Statistical Analysis 
Data will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests. A p-value <0.05 will be 
considered statistically significant.