Actively Recruiting
Comparing HILT, Steroid Injection, and Manual Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Led by Al Hayah University In Cairo · Updated on 2025-04-08
180
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
118 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study compares three common treatments for frozen shoulder when added to a standard exercise program: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), a corticosteroid (steroid) injection into the shoulder joint, and hands-on manual therapy by a physical therapist. A fourth group will receive only the standard exercise program. The goal is to see which combination works best to reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder function over 6 months. The main outcomes are changes in pain (VAS scale) and shoulder disability (SPADI questionnaire) at 12 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Comparing HILT, Steroid Injection, and Manual Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 40 and 70 years, inclusive
- Clinical diagnosis of primary (idiopathic) frozen shoulder with 60% restriction in passive external rotation compared to the unaffected shoulder
- Symptom duration between 3 and 9 months
- Average shoulder pain intensity 6 4 on a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale over the past week
- Normal or age-appropriate shoulder X-rays ruling out significant arthritis, fractures, or calcific tendinitis
- Willingness and ability to attend treatment and assessment sessions
- Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Secondary frozen shoulder due to trauma, surgery, or systemic disease like diabetes
- Significant rotator cuff tear needing specific treatment
- Moderate to severe shoulder osteoarthritis visible on X-ray (grade 6 3)
- Previous surgery on the affected shoulder
- Major neurological disorders affecting shoulder or arm function
- Corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder within past 3 months
- Known contraindications to corticosteroid injections such as uncontrolled diabetes, allergy, or local infection
- Known contraindications to High-Intensity Laser Therapy such as active cancer in the treatment area, photosensitivity, or pacemaker in the area
- Current participation in another clinical trial for shoulder pain
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University
Cairo, Egypt, 12311
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
I
Ibrahim Zoheiry, Ph.D
CONTACT
M
Mohamed ElMeligie, Ph.D
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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