Study of Combined Thoracic Spine and Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization to Improve Pain, Movement, and Function in Adults with Adhesive Capsulitis

What this Trial Is About

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a painful condition that limits shoulder movement and causes significant functional difficulties. Traditional treatments focus mainly on the shoulder joint itself, often overlooking the role of nearby areas like the thoracic spine. Recent findings suggest that improving thoracic spine mobility may help shoulder function, but this approach has not been widely tested for adhesive capsulitis. This study aims to assess whether adding thoracic spine mobilization to standard shoulder joint therapy can better relieve pain, improve range of motion, and enhance functional ability. The trial is a randomized controlled study where participants diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis will be assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive both thoracic spine mobilization and glenohumeral joint mobilization, while the other group will receive only glenohumeral joint mobilization. Thoracic spine mobilization involves specific oscillatory movements aimed at improving spinal extension and rotation, while shoulder mobilization includes targeted oscillations to restore joint movement. Treatments will be delivered over a set period, with techniques clearly defined for each group to compare their effects. Participants will be evaluated before and after treatment using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale to measure pain, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index to assess functional limitations, and a goniometer to record shoulder range of motion. Data will be analyzed to determine if the combined treatment improves outcomes more than shoulder mobilization alone. The study will run for one year and aims to provide evidence supporting more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies for adhesive capsulitis.

Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis