Comparing HILT, Steroid Injection, and Manual Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Comparative Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Corticosteroid Injection Versus Manual Therapy, Each Combined With Standard Exercise, for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Al Hayah University In Cairo
180 participants
Apr 25, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
Simplified for easier understanding
This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) applied to anterior, lateral, posterior glenohumeral joint aspects. Three-phase protocol per session: (1) 10 J/cm² @ 10 Hz; (2) 12 J/cm² @ 2000 Hz; (3) 10 J/cm² @ 15 Hz. Total energy \~1200 J/session. Frequency: 2 sessions/week for 6 weeks (12 sessions total). Delivered by trained PTs.
Single injection into the glenohumeral joint under ultrasound guidance. Consists of 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate combined with 4 ml of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride. Delivered at baseline by an experienced orthopedic physician.
Skilled hands-on techniques including glenohumeral joint mobilizations (Maitland grades III-IV), posterior capsule stretching, scapular mobilization, and soft tissue techniques targeting restricted tissues. Session duration: \~30 minutes. Frequency: 2 sessions/week for 6 weeks (12 sessions total). Delivered by PTs specialized in manual therapy.
Standardized program including pendulum exercises, active-assisted range of motion exercises (e.g., wand, wall climbs), stretching (e.g., cross-body, sleeper stretch), and progressive resistive exercises using resistance bands. Includes supervised instruction/progression and a daily home exercise program component. Supervised instruction frequency: 2 sessions/week for first 6 weeks, then 1 session/week for next 6 weeks (total 18 supervised sessions over 12 weeks). Delivered by trained PTs.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06916650