Intra-articular corticosteroid Injection combined with physical therapy versus physical therapy alone for adhesive capsulitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Study Summary

5 randomized controlled trials including 198 adult patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing physical therapy combined with intra-articular corticosteroid injection vs physical therapy alone. Pooled outcomes of interest included Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation range of motion. Combined treatment significantly improved SPADI scores and shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation compared with physical therapy alone, whereas no significant differences were observed for pain (VAS) or internal rotation. Overall, the findings suggest that adding intra-articular corticosteroid injection to physical therapy provides superior short-term functional recovery and shoulder mobility during the early stages of adhesive capsulitis.