Study Comparing Physical Therapy Plus Steroid Injections Versus Steroid Injections Alone for Frozen Shoulder in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating treatments for adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, in adults aged 18 and older. This study compares two approaches one involving physical therapy combined with steroid injections, and the other using steroid injections followed by watchful waiting. The goal is to determine if adding physical therapy significantly improves patient outcomes and if the extra cost is justified. Adhesive capsulitis causes pain and limited shoulder movement due to inflammation and scar tissue formation. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group receives physical therapy alongside steroid injections during the inflammatory phase, specifically 40 mg of depot methylprednisolone with lidocaine. The second group receives only steroid injections during the inflammatory phase, followed by regular observation without physical therapy. Both interventions follow standard care practices, with no experimental treatments involved. During the study, participants will have scheduled follow-up visits over a period extending up to one year. Researchers will assess functional outcomes using standardized questionnaires such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand DASH score, and the Constant Shoulder Score. The study also evaluates patient satisfaction, physical exam findings, and return to athletics. The aim is to monitor recovery, range of motion, and the financial impact of treatments over time.

Adhesive Capsulitis: Prospective Analysis of Efficacy and Financial Impact for Use of Physical Therapy in Treatment