Does adding mobilization to stretching improve outcomes for people with frozen shoulder? A randomized controlled clinical trial

30 patients with adhesive capsulitis were randomized in this pilot trial to undergo sessions of physiotherapist-directed stretching exercises with or without the addition of joint mobilization techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of joint mobilization techniques led to a significantly greater improvement in patient-reported function, disability, and pain, as well as shoulder range of motion. Outcomes were assessed at the end of the 6-week programs, and at 12-month follow-up. The results of this study demonstrated a significantly greater increase in Constant score and range of abduction and external rotation in the joint mobilization group compared to stretching alone. There was no significant difference between groups in the improvement from baseline for patient-reported disability and pain, and range of forward flexion and internal rotation.