This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of hydrodilatation with low dose steroid with high dose steroid for treating adhesive capsulitis.

Design: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial

Patient and methods:

Patients with adhesive capsulitis for at least 3 months were enrolled and randomly allocated into group 1 (hydrodilatation with low dose steroid ) and group 2 (hydrodilatation with high dose steroid). The patients were evaluated before treatment and were reevaluated 0, 6, and 12 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. Outcomes measures included a pain scale (visual analog scale), range of motion, Constant shoulder score, Shoulder Pain And Disability Index

Inclusion Criteria:

1. clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis
2. a duration of complaints more than 3 months
3. a reduction in passive range of motion in at least 2 of the following: forward flexion, abduction, or external rotation of the affected shoulder of more than 30 degree compared with the other side.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. prior manipulation of the affected shoulder under anesthesia;
2. other conditions involving the shoulder ( rheumatoid arthritis, Hill-Sachs lesions, osteoarthritis, damage to the glenohumeral cartilage,osteoporosis, or malignancies in the shoulder region);
3. neurologic deficits affecting shoulder function in normal daily activities;
4. shoulder pain caused by cervical radiculopathy
5. a history of drug allergy to hyaluronic acid;
6. pregnancy or lactation;
7. received injection into the affected shoulder during the preceding 3 months