Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Combined With Evidence-Based Physical Therapy for Adhesive Capsulitis

The experimental group received six sessions of rESWT over six weeks in addition to an EBPT program. The rESWT procedure involved applying shockwaves to the affected area using a radial probe, with sessions lasting 10-15 minutes and consisting of up to 2000 impulses delivered at a frequency of 3-6 pulses per second and an energy intensity level of 1.8 bar, based on patient tolerance. Patients were seated or lying down during the rESWT procedure, with gel or oil applied to facilitate shockwave transmission through the skin. Additionally, participants received a 30-minute exercise program twice a week for 6 weeks, which included hot packs, stretching, range of motion exercises, and isometric shoulder and scapular exercises. They were also instructed to perform the same exercises at home daily.

The participants in the control group received six weeks of sham rESWT (radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy) combined with the EBPT (evidence-based physical therapy) program. The sham rESWT involved six sessions with a maximum of 200 impulses delivered at a low intensity, with the applicator placed on the affected area for the same duration as the experimental group. Additionally, participants received a 30-minute exercise program twice a week for 6 weeks, which included hot packs, stretching, range of motion exercises, and isometric shoulder and scapular exercises. They were also instructed to perform the same exercises at home daily.