Clinical Measurement Unit

Physiotherapy after hydrodilatation for the stiff painful shoulder - a 3-year NH&MRC-funded randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

A/Prof Rachelle Buchbinder, A/Prof Sally Green, A/Prof Andrew Forbes, Mr Anthony Harris, A/Prof Kim Bennell, A/Prof Stephen Hall, A/Prof Geoff McColl, Dr Gary Lawler, Dr David Connell, Dr Joanne Youd.

 Many different treatments have been used in the treatment of the stiff painful shoulder (frozen shoulder) but none have proven entirely satisfactory. A randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial of hydrodilatation has been completed. Results demonstrated at least short-term efficacy of hydrodilatation over placebo in patients with frozen shoulder. From clinical experience, it seems that a course of physiotherapy following hydrodilatation may be effective to decrease pain, improve range of motion, and shorten the duration of the condition. Thus, the aim of this 3-year NHMRC funded study is to find out whether hydrodilatation followed by a 6-week course of physiotherapy is an effective treatment for the frozen shoulder. Participants are followed for 6 months to assess their outcome.

Publication arising from the hydrodilatation versus placebo trial: Buchbinder R, Green S, Forbes A, Hall S, Lawler G. Arthrographic joint distension with saline and steroid improves function and reduces pain in patients with painful stiff shoulder: results of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2004; 63:302-309