# Comparison of Suprascapular Nerve Block With Glenohumeral Joint Dilatation for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint

## TL;DR

This study compares treatments for shoulder stiffness and pain, finding that nerve block plus exercise is most effective.

## Contribution

The study introduces a comparison of suprascapular nerve block and hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis treatment.

## Key findings

- Group A (nerve block + exercise) showed the maximum improvement in pain, ROM, and function.
- Group C (exercise only) had the least improvement in shoulder joint outcomes.
- Flexion showed significant improvement across all follow-ups in all groups.

## Abstract

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder is characterized by progressive pain and loss of active and passive range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to identify a better approach to shoulder pain management and to eliminate unnecessary interventions. The objective was to assess the effect of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), hydrodilatation (HD), and exercise in improving pain, ROM, and function of the shoulder joint.

Method: The study design included a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. The study population consisted of patients attending the OPD and admitted to the ward. A total of 73 patients were analyzed in Group A (Nerve block + Exercise), Group B (Nerve block + HD + Exercise), and Group C (Exercise), using descriptive statistics to make comparisons among the various groups.

Results: The changes were significant (p < 0.001) in all groups, with the maximum change in Group A and the minimum change in Group C. There were fewer significant changes in different ranges of motion, except for flexion, which showed significant improvement at every follow-up.

Conclusion: SSNB plus exercise program not only reduces pain but also reduces disability and improves function, making it an effective treatment for treatment for patients with AC.