The long term effectiveness of steroid injection for shoulder pain; a pragmatic randomised comparison with physiotherapy in primary care

INTERVENTION: 1. Methyl prednisolone (40 mg) and lignocaine by local injection 2. Physiotherapy CONDITION: Shoulder pain ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Shoulder pain PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary outcome was disability at 6 months measured using a shoulder disability Questionnaire. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Secondary outcomes included: participants? global assessment of change compared with baseline; rating of pain severity; impairment of function; severity of main complaint; ranges of movement; co‐interventions. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Males and females over 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral shoulder pain 2. First consultation with GP for this episode 3. Ability to understand and give informed consent