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Effects of Spencer's Technique on Shoulder Function

NCT06447493 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 20

Last updated 2026-05-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The purpose of this study is to see the impact of a modified Spencer's technique on tissue stiffness, mobility, and blood flow of the shoulder joint. Spencer's technique is a well-known osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) that is common for treating adhesive capsulitis and is believed to help blood flow. There are studies that look at the clinical effects of the technique and/or compare it to other techniques; however, measuring the extent to which Spencer's technique, or this modified technique, improves tissue stiffness and blood flow has never been written in the literature. This study will serve as a proof of concept that this technique improves tissue stiffness, blood flow, and mobility of the shoulder join as well as the nearby areas. Using ultrasound, the investigators will measure tissue stiffness and blood flow and will analyze the mobility of the shoulder joint using a Vicon motion capture system.

Conditions

  • Shoulder

Interventions

OTHER

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment-Spencer's Technique (Modified)

Combination OMT approach utilizing Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Articulatory Technique (ART), and Myofascial Release (MFR). It is a series of direct OMT addressing the barrier of somatic dysfunction (SD) with the goal of restoring neurovascular balance and improved motion of the shoulder girdle and glenohumeral joint. Utilizing these three OMT techniques, the practitioner attempts restoration of glenohumeral joint motion using shoulder extension, flexion, circumduction with compression, circumduction with distraction, abduction, adduction, external rotation, internal rotation, and distraction in abduction. The study uses a modified version of the Spencer technique, done in the seated position for patient comfort, as well as adding to the treatment sequence: latissimus dorsi, pectoralis minor-major, serratus anterior, and rhomboid major-minor. Adding these muscles into treatment will help to address and correct sternoclavicular joint SD, acromioclavicular joint SD, and scapular SD.

OTHER

Rest

10 minute rest period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-08-15
Primary Completion
2026-05-11
Completion
2026-05-11

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06447493 on ClinicalTrials.gov