Elhafez Technique Combined With Dynamic Scapulohumeral Mobilization in Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis (Adhes Capsul)

Elhafez Technique Combined With Dynamic Scapulohumeral Mobilization in Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

Elhafez Technique Combined with Dynamic Scapulohumeral Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis

Study Overview

• Status: Suspended
• Conditions: Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Laser and ultrasound

Detailed Description

Elhafez Technique is an emerging rehabilitation approach that integrates axillary ultrasound, axillary laser therapy, and post-isometric facilitation (PIF) to target capsular stiffness, inflammation, and neuromuscular dysfunction. These techniques aim to enhance tissue healing, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. When combined with Dynamic Scapulohumeral Mobilization (DSM), which focuses on restoring scapular control and shoulder joint biomechanics, this comprehensive approach may offer superior outcomes compared to conventional treatments.

This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical and functional effects of combining Elhafez Technique with DSM in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. By assessing pain levels, ROM, and functional recovery, this research seeks to determine whether this combined intervention provides faster and more effective relief for patients suffering from this condition.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 90
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Giza Governorate
    • Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt, 12612
      • Faculty of Physical Therapy

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria

1. Adults aged 30-60 years diagnosed with Stage 2 (Frozen) or Stage 3 (Thawing) Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis based on American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) guidelines.
2. Pain score ≥4/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for at least 3 months.
3. Restricted external rotation of ≥25% compared to the unaffected shoulder.
4. No prior shoulder injections, surgery, or physiotherapy within the last 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

1. History of shoulder fractures, rotator cuff tears, or labral injuries.
2. Systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Uncontrolled Diabetes).
3. Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder (e.g., Stroke, Parkinson's Disease).
4. Current participation in another physiotherapy intervent

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Control Group; Participants will receive traditional physical therapy (ultrasonic, laser, exercises and home program)	Other: Laser and ultrasound; Laser and ultrasound will be applied in group A as traditional method. On the other hand they will applied axillary in experimental groups; Other Names: Post-isometric Facilitation
Experimental: Elhafez Technique Group; Participants will receive Elhafez technique only	Other: Laser and ultrasound; Laser and ultrasound will be applied in group A as traditional method. On the other hand they will applied axillary in experimental groups; Other Names: Post-isometric Facilitation
Experimental: Elhafez Technique and DSM Group; Participants will receive Elhafez technique and dynamic scapulohumeral mobilization	Other: Laser and ultrasound; Laser and ultrasound will be applied in group A as traditional method. On the other hand they will applied axillary in experimental groups; Other Names: Post-isometric Facilitation

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Range of motion	Flexion, abduction and external rotation of the shoulder jooint	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Functional activities	DASH will be used	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Haytham M Elhafez
• Collaborators: Cairo University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 9, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 1, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 1, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 8, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 18, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 15, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis; Elhafez technique; Dynamic scapulohumeral mobilization
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Bursitis; Physical Phenomena; Equipment and Supplies; Optical Devices; Radiation Equipment and Supplies; Radiation; Radiation, Nonionizing; Ultrasonic Waves; Sound; High-Energy Shock Waves; Lasers
• Other Study ID Numbers: ETIC_COMM_No.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No