Dynamic Splinting for Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of two treatment regimens for adhesive
capsulitis: dynamic splinting and/or manual physical therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis

- greater than 50% limitation in active flexion, internal rotation, or external
rotation

- Tight GHJ capsule in at least 2 directions

- Capsular end-feel primarily limits ROM

- Age 40- 64

- Normal X-Rays

Exclusion Criteria:

- Acute adhesive capsulitis

- History of Diabetes Mellitus

- Evidence of a cuff tear

- Recent history of trauma

- Evidence of glenohumeral DJD

- History of shoulder surgery

- Calcification of tendonitis demonstrated on a current X-Ray

- Abnormal X-Ray

- Cervical Radiculopathy/brachial plexus lesions

- Less than 2+/5 muscle strength during mid-line manual muscle testing

- Muscle Atrophy

- Presence of associated systematic conditions

- History of prior therapy for current condition

- Manipulation under anesthesia

- Non compliance

- Shoulder-Hand syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

- History of prior injections for the current problem

- Patient receiving worker's compensation

- Shoulder symptoms with cervical provocative testing

- Positive X-ray findings in the acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joints

- Abnormal physical signs or symptoms in the A-C or S-C joint