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.