Dry Needling for Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

Trigger point dry needling to trigger points in the shoulder or parascapular muscles using monofilament needle (i.e., acupuncture needle). Clean needle approach using sterile needles.

Sham needle approach using a finishing nail in a tube sheath. The finishing nail will be placed over the trigger point so that the patient perceives a sharp sensation. The tube (not the nail) will be moved up and down to mimic the action of needling.

Exercise including flexibility, range of motion, strengthening will be provided by the treating physical therapist based on the impairments identified.