Comparing treatments for frozen shoulder

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

This study evaluates the effectiveness of three treatments for frozen shoulder when combined with a standard exercise program: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), corticosteroid injections, and manual therapy by a physical therapist. Participants will be divided into four groups, with one group receiving only the standard exercise program. The study aims to determine which treatment combination is most effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function over a period of six months. The primary outcomes will be assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale for pain and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire at 12 weeks.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 40 and 70 years, inclusive. Clinical diagnosis of primary (idiopathic) frozen shoulder, defined by shoulder pain and ≥50% restriction in passive external rotation compared to the contralateral (unaffected) shoulder.

Symptom duration between 3 and 9 months. Average shoulder pain intensity ≥ 4 on a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over the past week.

Normal or age-appropriate radiographic findings of the glenohumeral joint (ruling out significant arthritis, fractures, calcific tendinitis).

Willingness and ability to attend scheduled treatment/assessment sessions. Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Secondary frozen shoulder (e.g., post-traumatic, post-surgical, related to systemic disease like diabetes - clarify if diabetes is excluded or just secondary FS from diabetes).

Clinical or imaging evidence of significant rotator cuff tear requiring specific management.

Radiographic evidence of moderate to severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (e.g., Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 3).

Previous surgery on the index shoulder. Significant neurological disorders affecting shoulder or upper extremity function (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, stroke).

Received a corticosteroid injection in the index shoulder within the past 3 months.

Known contraindications to corticosteroid injections (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, allergy, local infection).

Known contraindications to High-Intensity Laser Therapy (e.g., active malignancy in the treatment area, photosensitivity, pacemaker over treatment area).

Current participation in another interventional clinical trial for shoulder pain.

Where it's running

• Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University
  Cairo, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ibrahim Zoheiry, Ph.D
• Email: ibrahim.alzoheiry@hotmail.com
• Phone: 01277774949

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Shoulder Frozen Shoulder: TAME vs Corticosteroid Injection

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• Combined Mulligan Mobilization, Pain Neuroscience Education, and Core Stabilization for Frozen Shoulder

  This study tests whether a rehab program with Mulligan mobilization, pain education, and core stabilization helps people with frozen shoulder more than standard physical therapy.

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• Ultrasound-Guided PENG Block for Chronic Shoulder Pain

  This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block can improve pain and function in adults with chronic shoulder pain who haven’t responded to standard treatments.

  Recruiting Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · Ankara, çankaya · NCT07607691

• Cross Training for Frozen Shoulder: Seeing if Unilateral Resistance Helps One Arm

  This study tests whether unilateral resistance exercises, done without loading the affected shoulder, can improve strength and arm function in people with frozen shoulder.

  Recruiting Inonu University · Malatya · NCT07510737

• Electrophysiologic effects of 360° capsular release for frozen shoulder

  We will test whether arthroscopic 360° capsular release causes measurable changes in axillary and musculocutaneous nerve function in adults (21–70) with frozen shoulder who haven't improved with conservative care.

  Recruiting Acibadem University · Istanbul, Istanbul · NCT07495306

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.