Actively Recruiting
Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis
Led by Foundation University Islamabad · Updated on 2026-01-09
34
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
2 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female patients with unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain
- Shoulder pain lasting at least 3 to 4 months
- Decreased shoulder range of motion including external rotation, abduction, internal rotation, and flexion
- Age between 40 and 65 years
- Diagnosed with stage 2 or 3 adhesive capsulitis
You will not qualify if you...
- Shoulder pain caused by systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (morning stiffness over 1 hour, multiple small joint pain or swelling), infection, tumors, or myelopathy
- Recent shoulder joint fracture or trauma
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (positive Roos test)
- Presence of cervical radiculopathy (positive Spurling's test)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive either thoracic spine mobilization combined with glenohumeral joint mobilization or glenohumeral joint mobilization only to improve shoulder pain, range of motion, and functional disability.
Multiple visits during the 4-week treatment period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 46000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Laiba Malik, DPT
M
Marwa Asim, MS-OMPT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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