Adhesive capsulitis is a clinical entity characterized by spontaneous onset of shoulder pain accompanied a loss of motion and a decrease of the joint volume capacity. The distension of the shoulder joint has proven to be an efficient percutaneous treatment, and various techniques have been proposed. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of the technique “repeated intra-articular distension without arthrography” combined with an intensive program of rehabilitation in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

A prospective controlled study. Fifteen patients with adhesive capsulitis were included. Intervention consisted of three intra-articular distension with saline, xylocaine and corticosteroid, given at one-week intervals. The same technique was combined with an intensive program of rehabilitation associated. The evaluation parameters used were Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, a shoulder-specific disability measure by DASH score and range of active and passive motion (anterior elevation, lateral elevation and external rotation). Patients were evaluated before intra-articular distension. The outcome measures were assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after last capsular distension.

Study population comprised fifteen patients with a mean age of 54.8±8.6 underwent capsular distension. All patients reported significant improvement during the study in terms of the pain score, anterior elevation and lateral elevation after the first distension. External rotation, the DASH score and HADS improved after three capsular distension. One month after last capsular distension, this gain persisted in all functional parameters and in psychological profile. Results did not differ by etiology of capsulitis. No severe complications occurred as a result of the capsular distension.

Our results show that three capsular distension and intensive program of physiotherapy have a beneficial effect. This combination has a useful role in the early management of adhesive capsulitis.