Corticosteroid injection alone vs additional physiotherapy treatment in early stage frozen shoulders

21 patients with stage 1 or 2 adhesive capsulitis were randomized to corticosteroid injection therapy with or without the addition of a 3-month physiotherapy program after injection. Patients were followed for outcome on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index primarily, as well as for range of motion, pain scores, and satisfaction. Follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 26 weeks. Results demonstrated lower SPADI score at 6 weeks in the group which participated in PT after injection. In addition, range of motion was significantly higher in the PT group in forward flexion at 6 weeks, and in abduction and external rotation at 6 and 12 weeks. Differences between groups were not significant at 26 weeks for any outcome measure.