Why was this research done?

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is a common problem that often leaves patients unsure about how to take care of their pain without making it worse. This uncertainty can lead to unnecessary anxiety and the avoidance of activities that might improve their condition. Recognizing the need for patient education, the study looked at which teaching methods help patients feel most confident and understand their shoulder pain better. Clear, reliable information is important as it gives patients the power to make informed decisions about their health, manage their pain with confidence, and potentially avoid costly and invasive procedures.

The findings showed that best practice education, particularly when added to pain science messages, was most effective in reassuring participants and increasing confidence in managing their pain. It is possible that learning online might be different from in-person, and since many participants in the study were highly educated, they might react differently than less educated participants. Overall, this research is important because it can help create better learning tools that health professionals can use to help patients understand their pain, how to manage it by themselves, and feel more comfortable doing so.