NCT07258368

Gong Mobilization Versus Spencer Technique for Diabetic Frozen Shoulder

Comparative Effect of Gong Mobilization and Spencer Technique in the Management of Frozen Shoulder Among Diabetic Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to find the comparative effect of spencer technique and gong mobilization on pain, range of motion and functional disability among diabetic frozen shoulder patients.

Detailed description

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by progressive pain, stiffness, and significant restriction of both active and passive range of motion in the shoulder joint. The condition typically progresses through three stages: the painful or freezing stage, marked by increasing pain and stiffness; the frozen or adhesive stage, where pain may subside but stiffness persists; and the thawing stage, during which mobility gradually improves. Risk factors include age, gender (more common in women), trauma, prolonged immobilization, and systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Studies suggest Gong mobilization may offer superior ROM gains, while the Spencer technique provides significant long-term benefits, especially when combined with conventional therapy. Treatment effectiveness can vary, indicating a need for approaches tailored to individual patient factors and condition stage. This is particularly relevant for diabetic patients, who often experience slower, more complex recoveries.

Conditions

• Frozen Shoulder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment	The Spencer Technique is an osteopathic shoulder mobilization performed with the patient lying on the unaffected side and the therapist stabilizing the scapula while moving the humerus. It consists of a sequence of seven articulatory steps: shoulder extension, flexion, circumduction with compression, circumduction with traction, abduction with internal rotation, internal rotation (hand behind back), and abduction with external rotation. Each movement is performed rhythmically at the end range to stretch the joint capsule, improve mobility, and reduce pain (Frequency: Over the course of 3 days, the exercise was repeated 3 times per session). Conventional PT: Hot pack = 15 mins, Home Plan: Pendulum Stretch, Cross-Body Arm Reach, Towel Stretch, Finger Walk (Wall Climb), External Rotation Stretch, Shoulder Blade Squeeze, Overhead Shoulder Stretch.
OTHER	Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment	The shoulder joint was turned upward as the patient was positioned in a side-lying posture. The patient had a 90-degree abduction of the shoulder to keep the humerus upright, and the elbow was 90 degrees flexed. Now the therapist held one hand of the patient to apply pressure to the humeral head from anterior to posterior while maintaining the position of the elbow at 90 degrees. The therapist then raised their own body while softly pushing on the shoulder joint's articular capsule. To retain the humerus' vertical axis, they achieved this while keeping shoulder abduction and elbow flexion at 90 degrees. The procedure was finished in about two to three minutes, and the articular capsule was gently squeezed for 10-15 seconds, and then relaxed for five seconds. After slightly stretching the capsule, the therapist applied gentle pressure with one hand on the shoulder joint from anterior to posterior. Maitland grades 3,4 then performed and then grade 4 approach for stretching for secs.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-02
• Completion: 2026-02-01
• First posted: 2025-12-02
• Last updated: 2026-03-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan