A blinded, randomized, controlled trial assessing conservative management strategies for frozen shoulder

There is little evidence for the optimal form of nonoperative treatment in the management of frozen shoulder. This study assesses the efficacy of current physiotherapy strategies. 

The 75 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: group exercise class, individual physiotherapy, and home exercises alone. A single independent physiotherapist, who was blinded to the treatment groups, made all assessments. 

The exercise class group showed a significant improvement in shoulder symptoms on Oxford and Constant scores; this improvement was greater than with individual physiotherapy or home exercises alone. The improvement in range of motion was significantly greater in both physiotherapy groups over home exercises. 

A hospital-based exercise class can produce a rapid recovery from a frozen shoulder with a minimum number of visits to the hospital and is more effective than individual physiotherapy or a home exercise program. > From Russell et al., J Shoulder Elbow Surg 23 (2014) 500-507.

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