This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of hydrodilatation with steroid with hyaluronic acid and 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 steroid ) and group 2 (hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid and 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, Shoulder Pain And Disability Index

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 35-65 years
2. onset of shoulder stiffness since over a month
3. limitation in the passive range of motion (ROM) over 30° when compared with the contralateral side in at least two of these three movements: forward flexion, abduction, or external rotation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ultrasound findings of rotator cuff tears,
2. plain radiography findings of significant glenohumeral joint arthritis,
3. accompanying cervical radiculopathy,
4. systemic inflammatory joint disease,
5. intraarticular injection into the glenohumeral joint within the past 3 months
6. history of surgery on the affected shoulders,
7. regular use of systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids,
8. allergy to corticosteroid or lidocaine.

Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)