Adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder") causes significant pain and loss of shoulder mobility. Shoulder hydrodistension is an established treatment that can improve movement and reduce symptoms, but the procedure itself may be painful and difficult for some patients to tolerate.
This randomized clinical trial will evaluate whether performing a suprascapular nerve block with local anesthetic immediately before hydrodistension can reduce pain during the procedure, improve patient comfort, and potentially enhance clinical outcomes.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
hydrodistension alone, or
suprascapular nerve block followed by hydrodistension.
Pain, shoulder mobility, functional ability, psychological measures, and quality of life will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. The study aims to determine whether adding a suprascapular nerve block provides better tolerability and improved recovery for patients with adhesive capsulitis.
Adults aged 18 years or older
Clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
Persistent pain and functional limitation despite initial conservative treatment
Ability to understand study procedures
Known allergy or hypersensitivity to ropivacaine or methylprednisolone
Active infection (local or systemic)
Uncontrolled coagulopathy or ongoing therapeutic anticoagulation
Recent surgery of the affected shoulder
Universidade do Porto
Lead sponsor