Combining thoracic spine and shoulder joint mobilization for frozen shoulder
Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis
This trial will see if adding thoracic spine mobilization to shoulder (glenohumeral) mobilization helps people aged 40–65 with adhesive capsulitis reduce pain, improve shoulder motion, and regain function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07328295 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial conducted at a university physical therapy center in Islamabad that compares combined thoracic spine plus glenohumeral joint mobilization versus glenohumeral mobilization alone for adhesive capsulitis. Participants aged 40–65 with stage II or III frozen shoulder and at least 3–4 months of symptoms will be enrolled and randomized to one of the two intervention groups. Outcomes include shoulder pain, range of motion, and functional disability measured over the study period using standardized clinical measures. The protocol applies manual central and unilateral posterior-anterior thoracic mobilizations alongside directed glenohumeral glides to test whether addressing regional interdependence yields superior clinical benefits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 40–65 years old with unilateral or bilateral adhesive capsulitis (stage II or III), at least 3–4 months of shoulder pain, and measurable loss of shoulder ROM are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with shoulder pain caused by systemic inflammatory disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), recent shoulder fracture/trauma, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, spinal myelopathy, infection, or tumors are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide greater pain relief, increased shoulder range of motion, and better day-to-day function than glenohumeral mobilization alone.
How similar studies have performed: Biomechanical studies and some clinical reports suggest thoracic mobilization can improve shoulder mechanics, but randomized trials specifically combining thoracic and glenohumeral mobilization for adhesive capsulitis remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Both male and female patients with a primary complaint of unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain * Pain has persisted for at least 3 to 4 months * Decreased shoulder ROM observed, including external shoulder rotation, abduction, internal rotation, and flexion * Age range between 40 to 65 years * Diagnosed with stage 2nd or 3rd of the disease. Exclusion Criteria: * • Patients if they had any shoulder pain resulting from systematic disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (morning stiffness \> 1 hour, multiple small joints pain/swelling) Infection, Tumors, and conditions like myelopathy (Hoffman's sign). * Recent shoulder joint fracture/ trauma. * Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Roos test). * The presence of Cervical radiculopathy (Spurling's test)
Where this trial is running
Islamabad, Punjab Province
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laiba Malik, DPT
- Email: mlaiba085@gmail.com
- Phone: +3495049904
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.