Efficacy of Chemically Distinct Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Pain Phenotypes in Adhesive Capsulitis

Patients aged 18-75 years who present to a tertiary rehabilitation hospital with shoulder pain and restricted range of motion, and who consent to participate, will be included in the study. Eligibility will be determined based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with differing chemical properties (e.g., diclofenac, meloxicam, or indomethacin), in combination with a home-based exercise program for shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Patients' sociodemographic data, as well as detailed clinical and examination findings and baseline outcomes, will be recorded. Patients will be informed about their condition, and modifications to activities of daily living will be recommended.Patients' pain phenotypes (nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic) will be categorized based on clinical history and questionnaires, and it will be determined which pain types derive greater benefit from NSAIDs. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at the end of the first and second weeks. At the first-week follow-up, pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). If the treatment is deemed effective (defined as a ≥3-point reduction or ≥50% decrease in VAS), the same NSAID will be continued for an additional week; otherwise, it will be switched to an alternative NSAID with a different biochemical profile (group). The outcomes assessments will be performed by a blinded evaluator to minimize bias.

NCT Number	NCT07493226
Lead Sponsor	Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital
Conditions	Frozen Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis, Shoulder Pain, NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), Nociplastic Pain, Neuropathic Pain
Enrollment	120 participants
Start Date	2026-04-01
Primary Completion	2027-02-28 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-03-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-14