Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis

Overview

Adhesive capsulitis is a debilitating shoulder condition characterized by pain, restricted range of motion (ROM), and significant functional limitations. Conventional treatment primarily targets the glenohumeral joint, often neglecting the role of regional interdependence, particularly the thoracic spine's influence on shoulder mobility. Emerging evidence suggests that thoracic spine mobility plays a crucial role in optimizing shoulder mechanics, yet its therapeutic application in adhesive capsulitis remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the additional effects of thoracic spine mobilization combined with glenohumeral joint mobilization, providing a more comprehensive rehabilitation approach to enhance pain relief, ROM, and functional outcomes. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted over one year at the Rehabilitation Department of Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH) after obtaining ethical approval. Participants diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis will be selected through non-probability purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving thoracic spine mobilization alongside glenohumeral joint mobilization or the control group receiving glenohumeral joint mobilization alone. Randomization will be conducted using the coin toss method and block randomization to ensure balanced subject distribution. Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain assessment, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for functional disability evaluation, and a goniometer for ROM measurement. Baseline and post-treatment scores will be statistically analyzed using SPSS to determine intervention effectiveness. By integrating thoracic spine mobilization into standard treatment, this study seeks to refine clinical rehabilitation protocols, improve functional recovery, and enhance patient outcomes. Findings may contribute to evidence-based practice, supporting the inclusion of thoracic spine mobilization in treatment guidelines for adhesive capsulitis.

Adhesive capsulitis, widely known as frozen shoulder, is a progressive musculoskeletal condition characterized by shoulder pain, restricted range of motion (ROM), and marked functional limitations. Traditional treatment approaches have largely focused on mobilization techniques directed at the glenohumeral joint, aiming to reduce capsular tightness and restore movement. While this is effective to some degree, it does not fully address the concept of regional interdependence, where dysfunction in adjacent regions, particularly the thoracic spine, may influence shoulder function. The thoracic spine plays a vital role in maintaining optimal shoulder kinematics by supporting scapular positioning, facilitating overhead motion, and reducing compensatory stress on the glenohumeral joint. Stiffness or hypomobility in this region may therefore perpetuate pain and mechanical restriction in adhesive capsulitis. Treatment strategies that combine glenohumeral joint mobilization with thoracic spine mobilization have the potential to provide superior outcomes compared to conventional therapy alone. Thoracic mobilization techniques, including central and unilateral posterior-anterior glides, enhance spinal extension and rotation, indirectly improving scapular mobility and shoulder elevation. When paired with targeted glenohumeral mobilizations such as anterior, posterior, and inferior glides, patients may experience greater improvements in pain relief, ROM, and functional ability. These three variables-pain, ROM, and functional disability-are critical in determining treatment effectiveness. By incorporating thoracic mobilization into standard rehabilitation, clinicians may adopt a more holistic approach that enhances recovery, promotes long-term function, and improves the quality of life for individuals with adhesive capsulitis.