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Comparing HILT, Steroid Injection, and Manual Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
Sponsor: Al Hayah University In Cairo
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.
Official title: 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
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
180
Start Date
2025-04-25
Completion Date
2027-08-01
Last Updated
2025-04-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)
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.
Ultrasound-Guided Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection
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.
Manual Therapy
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.
Standard Exercise Program
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)
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University
Cairo, Egypt