To evaluate the efficacy of distention arthrography (DA) alone and in combination with translational mobilization (TM) for treatment of patients with frozen shoulder (FS).

Eighty-five patients diagnosed with unilateral FS (freezing or frozen stage) were included. Forty-one patients were treated with DA and TM (group 1) and 44 patients with DA alone (group 2). Clinical assessments including visual analogue scale (VAS), Cyriax stage, and shoulder passive range of motion (PROM) including forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months following treatment.

There were no significant differences in gender, side affected, symptom duration, presence of diabetes mellitus, VAS score, Cyriax stage, or shoulder PROM between the two patient groups at baseline. Compared with baseline metrics, patients in both groups demonstrated significantly improved outcome parameters at two post-treatment time points. However, mean all shoulder PROMs were significantly greater, and mean VAS score and Cyriax stage were lower in patients treated with DA and TM than in those treated with DA alone group at two post-treatment time points. At these times, mean interval change of all outcome parameters was significantly greater with DA and TM than DA alone. No serious complications were observed following treatment in either patient group.

Compared with DA alone, DA combined with TM more effectively alleviates shoulder pain and increases PROM in patients with freezing or frozen stage FS.