Additional effects of thoracic mobilization versus manipulation with standard physical therapy in adhesive capsulitis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Participants with shoulder stiffness due to adhesive capsulitis are assigned to two groups and receive standard physical therapy plus one of two thoracic interventions over four weeks. One group gets thoracic manipulation at the T1-T7 segment with a controlled thrust, while the other receives central thoracic mobilization in the prone position for 30 repetitions. The protocol includes PAIVM-directed targeting, pre-treatment thermal therapy, and a progressive regression of stretching and strengthening exercises for shoulder and scapular muscles. Outcome assessments focus on range of motion and symptom changes to see which thoracic approach yields better improvements.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Age range between 40 and 60 years.
* Both male and female patients with unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain.
* Pain persisting for at least 3 months.
* Decreased shoulder ROM, including external rotation, abduction, internal rotation, and flexion, with both active and passive ROM reduced by more than 50%.
* Clinically diagnosed with Stage 2 or Stage 3 adhesive capsulitis.

Exclusion Criteria

* History of fracture, surgery, or dislocation in the affected shoulder.
* Shoulder pain resulting from systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, or tumors, or conditions such as myelopathy (positive Hoffman's sign).
* Neurological conditions such as stroke or cervical radiculopathy (positive Spurling's test).
* Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (positive Roos test).
* Uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac instability, including unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or other cardiovascular conditions.

Where it's running

• Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
  Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tehmina Tabassum, DPT
• Email: tabassumbhatti12143455@gmail.com
• Phone: 03058520660

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.