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💪 Shoulder — Exercises Studied in Research
Real findings from published clinical studies. Not opinions, not ads — just what researchers actually found, with the evidence behind each approach.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for conditions in this area, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand — not by popularity. Open a condition below for its own evidence summary. Full details and dosing are part of the complete review.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Shoulder Exercise Programyou can do this at homeStudies: seven trials · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | seven trials | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Patient Self-Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Rotator Cuff Repairdone with a specialistStudies: 14 · Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff), Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline +1 | 14 | Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff)Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Motor Control Exercise — Home Practiceyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Evidence supports it |
| Progressive Resistance Training — Homeyou can do this at homeStudies: 8 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 8 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Evidence supports it |
| Scapular Stabilization — Home Protocolyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 6 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Evidence supports it |
| Eccentric Loading — Home Protocolyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 5 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | May help |
| Glucocorticoid Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 16 (12 RCTs and 4 prospective studies) · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 16 (12 RCTs and 4 prospective studies) | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Self-Managed Home Exercise Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 6 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | May help |
| Supervised Exercise Programdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | May help |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 2 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | May help |
| Manual Therapy (Combined)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | May help |
Show all 51 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delayed Passive Motion (Post-op)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline, Rees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | 2 | Weber 2020 AAOS GuidelineRees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | May help |
| Early Passive Motion (Post-op)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline, Rees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | 2 | Weber 2020 AAOS GuidelineRees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | May help |
| Glenohumeral Joint Mobilisationdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | May help |
| Kinesiotapingdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | May help |
| Reverse Shoulder Arthroplastydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline, Rees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | 1 | Weber 2020 AAOS GuidelineRees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG) | May help |
| Soft Tissue Mobilisation / PNFdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 4 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | May help |
| US-Guided Percutaneous Needling / Lavagedone with a specialistStudies: 2 RCTs (pain, short to medium term vs shockwave); 5 RCTs (disability, long term vs ESWT or CSI alone) · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 2 RCTs (pain, short to medium term vs shockwave); 5 RCTs (disability, long term vs ESWT or CSI alone) | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | May help |
| Debridementdone with a specialistStudies: 7 · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline | 7 | Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline | May help |
| Tendon Transfer / Graft Interpositiondone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline | 3 | Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline | May help |
| Kinesiotaping Plus Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Manual Therapy + Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Neurocognitive Therapeutic Exercise (NCTE)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 5 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 5 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| TENSdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 4 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 4 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Not enough research yet |
| Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 2 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Not enough research yet |
| Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | 2 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) | Not enough research yet |
| Ice Pack Applicationyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) | 2 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) | Not enough research yet |
| Thoracic Spine Manipulationdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) | 3 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) | Not enough research yet |
| Blood Flow Restriction Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Diacutaneous Fibrolysis Plus Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Eccentric Exercise Plus Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Joint Mobilisation Plus Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| LLLT + Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Massage Plus Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Microwave Diathermydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Motor Control + Modalitiesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Posterior Shoulder Stretching (Modified Cross-Body / Sleeper)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · not yet reviewed | 4 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Proprioception / Balance Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Proprioception Plus Resistance Plus Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| TECAR Therapy (Capacitive/Resistive Diathermy)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| TENS + Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Thoracic Spine Mobilisationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Hyaluronate Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 19 RCTs · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 19 RCTs | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 5 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 5 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Subacromial Decompression Surgerydone with a specialistStudies: 7 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | 7 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +2 | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 10 · Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy), Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | 10 | Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasound + Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Science does not support it |
Conditions in this area
Conditions in this area with published evidence — pick one to see what studies describe.
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for at least one condition in this area. Listed so you know — not as advice about any individual case.
- Subacromial Decompression SurgeryNot supported by research
Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) · Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) · Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline · Rees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG)
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy) · Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff) · Rees 2021 (Frozen Shoulder CPG)
- Therapeutic Ultrasound + ExerciseNot supported by research
not yet reviewed
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Frequently asked
What works for Shoulder according to research?
Research supports: General Shoulder Exercise Program, Patient Self-Education, Rotator Cuff Repair, Motor Control Exercise — Home Practice, Progressive Resistance Training — Home, Scapular Stabilization — Home Protocol. Based on Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy); Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff); Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline.
What does not work for Shoulder according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: Subacromial Decompression Surgery, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Therapeutic Ultrasound + Exercise. Based on Desmeules 2025 JOSPT CPG (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy); Lafrance 2022 CPG (Rotator Cuff); Weber 2020 AAOS Guideline.
How much research is this based on?
For Shoulder, 51 approaches were evaluated, of which 32 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.
