The Efficacy of Manipulation with Distension Arthrography to Treat Adhesive Capsulitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether arthrographic distention combined with manipulation for frozen shoulder provides additional benefits. METHODS: A total of 180 participants from five clinical centers with pain and stiffness in predominantly 1 shoulder for >3 months entered the study, and 165 completed the study. The control group was treated with arthrographic distention alone, and the treatment group underwent manipulation after resting for 5 minutes following arthrographic distention. Patients were followed up at the one and two weeks and at three and six months. For the clinical evaluation, shoulder-specific disability measure (SPADI) score, the visual analog scales (VASs) for pain, and range of active motion were used. RESULTS: 83 patients out of 90 in the treatment group and 82 out of 90 in the control finished the entire study period. SPADI, VAS, Constant-Murley (CM), and range of motion (ROM) were improved after treatments in both groups. The statistical differences were not observed in the CM, adduction, internal rotation, and posterior extension function between groups (P > .05) after the first treatment. And the statistical differences were not observed in the internal rotation, the extorsion, and posterior extension function (P > .05) after the second treatment. CONCLUSION: Distention arthrography plus manual therapy provided faster pain relief, a higher level of patient satisfaction, and an earlier improvement in AROM of the shoulder than distention arthrography alone in patients with frozen shoulder.