Evaluating physical therapy and steroid injections for frozen shoulder treatment
Official title: Adhesive Capsulitis: Prospective Analysis of Efficacy and Financial Impact for Use of Physical Therapy in Treatment
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT02283996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether combining physical therapy with steroid injections helps people with frozen shoulder feel better compared to just getting steroid injections and waiting to see what happens.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 260 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2014 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02283996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 or older diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis who are willing to participate in randomization.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously undergone surgery for adhesive capsulitis or are non-English speaking may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to analyze the effectiveness and financial implications of physical therapy combined with steroid injections versus steroid injections followed by watchful waiting in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. Participants aged 18 and older will be randomized into two groups: one receiving physical therapy and corticosteroid injections, and the other receiving only corticosteroid injections with subsequent observation. The study will assess patient outcomes over a year to determine if the additional costs of physical therapy are justified. The research follows standard care protocols without introducing experimental treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the most effective treatment approach for adhesive capsulitis, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: While similar studies have explored treatment options for adhesive capsulitis, this specific comparison of physical therapy versus watchful waiting with steroid injections is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient must be 18 years or older * Must meet the following definition for adhesive capsulitis as defined by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Self-limiting condition resulting from any inflammatory process about the shoulder in which capsular scar tissue is produced, resulting in pain and limited range of motion; also called frozen shoulder * Must be amenable to randomization into either cohort Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking patients * Pregnant women (women of childbearing potential will be advised to undergo regular pregnancy testing) * Patients who had previously undergone operative therapy for the condition
Where it's running
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MGH, Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott D Martin, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Scott D Martin, MD
- Email: sdmartin@partners.org
- Phone: 617-732-5329
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Spinal and Kaltenborn mobilization for a stiff shoulder (frozen shoulder)
A randomized trial tests spinal mobilization with arm movement and Kaltenborn mobilization to see if they reduce pain and improve motion and function in people with adhesive capsulitis.
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Shoulder Frozen Shoulder: TAME vs Corticosteroid Injection
This study tests whether transcatheter arterial microembolization (TAME) works better than corticosteroid injections for people with frozen shoulder.
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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.
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Comparing different NSAIDs plus home exercises for frozen shoulder
This will test whether taking one of several NSAIDs (diclofenac, meloxicam, or indomethacin) together with home shoulder exercises helps adults aged 18–75 with frozen shoulder and whether pain type changes the benefit.
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Ultrasound-guided shoulder injections for frozen shoulder
This tests whether adding ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, with or without a subacromial injection, to a home exercise program reduces pain and improves shoulder function in adults with chronic frozen shoulder.
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Treatment for Frozen Shoulder using Corticosteroid Injection and Nerve Block
This study is testing whether a combination of a corticosteroid injection and a nerve block can help people with Frozen Shoulder feel less pain and move their shoulder better compared to a fake treatment.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.