Trigger point injections versus joint injections for shoulder arthritis pain

Plain-English translation of NCT07347054 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether injections of triamcinolone acetonide (a steroid medication) into painful trigger points in shoulder muscles work as well as injections directly into the shoulder joint for treating shoulder osteoarthritis. You would receive one type of injection and be followed for two years to measure your pain relief and any side effects. The goal is to find out if trigger point injections could be a simpler, safer option for people whose shoulder pain hasn't improved with other treatments.

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, especially in older adults, and it significantly affects quality of life. Research suggests that this medication might work well when injected into trigger points, but doctors want to know if it's truly as effective as the traditional approach of injecting directly into the joint.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 45 years old
you have been diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis confirmed by X-rays and examined by a doctor
your shoulder pain has lasted for more than 3 months
your pain score is at least 3 out of 10 even after trying other treatments
you have at least one trigger point (tight, painful muscle knot) in your shoulder that your doctor can identify

You likely don't qualify if…

you are allergic to corticosteroids or other medications used in the study
you drink heavily or regularly use opioid pain medications, sedatives, or long-term steroids
you have serious conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, blood clotting problems, or uncontrolled diabetes
you have had an injection into your shoulder joint in the past 6 months or are planning shoulder replacement surgery
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active infection

What participation looks like

You would be randomly assigned to receive either a trigger point injection or a joint injection in your shoulder. After your injection, you would visit the clinic for follow-up appointments at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks to report your pain level and any side effects. The entire study lasts about 2 years, during which doctors will track how well the treatment is working and monitor your recovery.

Trigger point injections versus joint injections for shoulder arthritis pain

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)