Long-term effectiveness of translational manipulation for adhesive capsulitis.

Long term effects of glenohumeral joint translational (gliding) manipulation on range of motion, pain, and function in patients with adhesive capsulitis were studied. Thirty-one patients underwent brachial plexus block followed by translational manipulation of the glenohumeral joint. Changes in range of motion and pain were assessed before manipulation with the patient under anesthesia, immediately after manipulation with the patient still under anesthesia, at early followup (5.3 +/- 3.2 weeks), and at long term followup (14.4 +/- 7.3 months). Passive range of motion increased significantly for flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Significant decreases in visual analog pain scores between initial evaluation and the followup assessments also occurred. Furthermore, Wolfgang's criteria score increased significantly between initial evaluation and followup assessments. Translational manipulation provides a safe, effective treatment option for adhesive capsulitis.