Comparison of the Efficacy of Mesotherapy and Intra-articular Steroid Injection in Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: Chronic shoulder pain (CSP), commonly caused by rotator cuff disorders, adhesive capsulitis, instability, or arthritis, results in significant functional impairment, psychological distress, and decreased quality of life. Despite the use of physical therapy and intra-articular injections, treatment outcomes may be inadequate, necessitating alternative or adjunctive therapies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mesotherapy compared with corticosteroid injections in reducing pain, improving function, and increasing range of motion (ROM) in patients with CSP.
METHODS: In this prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial, patients were allocated to either the mesotherapy group (Group 1) or the steroid injection group (Group 2). Group 1 underwent three weekly mesotherapy sessions targeting the shoulder, whereas Group 2 received a single intra-articular injection of 20mg triamcinolone hexacetonide. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] at rest, during activity, and at night), functional disability (Shoulder Disability Questionnaire [SDQ]), and passive shoulder ROM were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 4 weeks post-treatment.
RESULTS: Both groups experienced significant improvements in VAS, SDQ, and ROM scores (p<0.05). However, the mesotherapy group demonstrated significantly greater improvement across most clinical parameters than the steroid group (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Mesotherapy is an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain, offering comparable or superior benefits to corticosteroid injections. It should be considered a valid nonsurgical treatment alternative tailored to patient needs.

Keywords: Intradermal injection, mesotherapy, shoulder pain, steroid.