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Comparison of Niel-Asher and Spencer Techniques in Frozen Shoulder Patients

NCT07080060 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 44

Last updated 2025-07-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two manual therapy techniques-Niel-Asher Technique and Spencer Technique-when combined with conventional physiotherapy in treating patients with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that limits movement and function of the shoulder joint. The study will include 44 adults aged 35 to 65 years who have been diagnosed with stage II frozen shoulder. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive standard physiotherapy, including heat therapy, TENS, and stretching exercises. In addition, one group will receive the Niel-Asher Technique, while the other group will receive the Spencer Technique. Pain, range of motion, and shoulder function will be measured before and after a 4-week treatment period using validated tools such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a goniometer, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The goal is to determine which manual therapy technique is more effective in improving symptoms and function in patients with frozen shoulder.

Conditions

  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Adhesive Capsulitis

Interventions

OTHER

Niel-Asher Technique

Participants in this group will receive the Niel-Asher Technique, a manual therapy approach focusing on trigger point release and myofascial decompression of the shoulder girdle. Treatment will involve structured pressure techniques applied to specific muscular trigger points including the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and levator scapulae. The intervention will be delivered in side-lying and sitting positions. Conventional physiotherapy, includes a 10-minute hot pack, 15-minute TENS, Codman exercises, finger ladder exercises (2-3 sets, 3-5 repetitions), and capsular stretching (20-30 sec hold, 2-4 repetitions). Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

OTHER

Spencer Technique

Participants in this group will receive the Spencer Technique, an osteopathic manual therapy consisting of eight mobilization steps: extension, flexion, circumduction with compression, circumduction with distraction, abduction, adduction with external rotation, internal rotation, and traction stretch. Each movement will be performed with patient participation using muscle energy techniques. Conventional physiotherapy, includes a 10-minute hot pack, 15-minute TENS, Codman exercises, finger ladder exercises (2-3 sets, 3-5 repetitions), and capsular stretching (20-30 sec hold, 2-4 repetitions). Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Amna Zia, Phd Scholar · Riphah International University/ Mayo Hospital

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
35 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-07-31
Primary Completion
2025-11-15
Completion
2025-11-30

Countries

  • Pakistan

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 NCT07080060 on ClinicalTrials.gov