Exploration of illness perceptions in adults with RCRSP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of illness perceptions and consequent emotional and behavioural responses in adults with persistent, disabling rotator cuff related shoulder pain
IRAS ID
331778
Contact name
Gillian Watt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 28 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Shoulder pain is a very common problem seen by healthcare professionals including physiotherapists. One of the most common diagnoses is rotator cuff related shoulder pain which relates to problems with the muscles and tendons around the shoulder. Unfortunately for a large portion of people who experience rotator cuff related shoulder pain they go on to experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks leading to increased impact on their quality of life. It has been shown changes on MRI and X-ray poorly correlate with pain therefore there is more to pain than changes to structures in the body. It has been shown in other locations of the body our beliefs, emotions and behaviours can influence how long it takes for people to recover from an episode of pain. We currently don't have a clear understanding of this in people with rotator cuff related shoulder pain.
Outcomes of physiotherapy treatment are variable and for some people there is little or no improvement. The aim of the study is to explore the lived experience of persistent, disabling rotator cuff related shoulder pain in relation to adults’ illness perceptions, emotions, and behaviours.
Adults who have been assessed by a physiotherapist in a Musculoskeletal outpatient clinic, GP clinic or orthopaedic shoulder clinic and have been diagnosed with persistent and disabling rotator cuff related shoulder pain would be eligible for inclusion.
The study will be carried out in one NHS Health Board.
The participants will be involved in a one off, one-to-one interview lasting approximately 1 hour.
The study will last approximately 6 months.
The results of the study will be analysed and results presented in the researchers degree thesis and it is proposed the results will be published in peer reviewed academic journal.Summary of Results
The experience of persistent rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) can significantly impact the lives of those experiencing. Persistent symptoms are those that last more than 3 months.
It impacts what people are physically able to do, how it makes them feel and how it makes then see the future.
How the experience of persistent RCRSP impacts an individual's life is unique to each individual experiencing it.
Symptoms of pain and the limitation of being able to carry out daily tasks and engage in hobbies/interests can be scary, worrying and leave people feeling unsure and concerned about the future.
Health professionals should aim to understand how lasting symptoms impacts the life of the patient on a individual level.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
23/ES/0040
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion