Frozen ShoulderNCT07258368
Gong Mobilization Versus Spencer Technique for Diabetic Frozen Shoulder
A study testing Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment and Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment in people with Frozen Shoulder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Frozen Shoulder
- What is being tested?
- Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment and Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 1 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients with HbA1c ≥6.5% will be included.
- Patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder stage II, will be included.
Who cannot join
- Receiving other clinical trials that could interfere with the outcomes of this study.
- Subject with recent history of surgery on affected shoulder
- Subject with history of any trauma/fracture around shoulder complex
- Subject with rotator cuff lesion and tendon calcification.
- Patients contraindicated to joint mobilization
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effect of Gong Mobilization and Spencer Technique in the Management of Frozen Shoulder Among Diabetic Patients
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.
Read the 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
- Being tested
- Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment, Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment
- Keywords
- Diabetic, Spencer technique, Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Spencer Technique + Conventional TreatmentOther
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.
Gong Mobilization + Conventional TreatmentOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment |
| Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
It is a self-reported questionnaire designed to measure pain and functional disability in individuals with shoulder conditions, such as frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries. It consists of two subscales: pain and disability, providing a comprehensive assessment of shoulder function.
Measured: 3 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The NPRS is a segmented numeric version of the visual analog scale which is used to assess pain. It scores ranges from 0-10, 0 means No pain and 10 means Severe pain. Patient will be asked to verbally report the pain score.
Measured: 3 weeks
Goniometer for range of motion
A goniometer is a standard clinical tool for objectively measuring joint range of motion (ROM). It demonstrates high validity, correlating strongly (r > 0.90) with advanced motion analysis systems. Its reliability is also excellent, with high intra-rater (ICC > 0.90) and inter-rater (ICC 0.85-0.99) scores. This makes it a dependable instrument for both assessing patients and guiding treatment in rehabilitation and research.
Measured: 3 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion2 Jan 2026
- Study completion1 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Frozen ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Maria khalid, MSOMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07258368
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/ Afshan Batool 02212
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effect of Gong Mobilization and Spencer Technique in the Management of Frozen Shoulder Among Diabetic Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07258368
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/ Afshan Batool 02212
- Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder
- Keywords
- Diabetic, Spencer technique, Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment | Experimental | Other: Spencer Technique + Conventional TreatmentThe 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. |
| Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment | Experimental | Other: Gong Mobilization + Conventional TreatmentThe 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Patients with HbA1c ≥6.5% will be included.
- Patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder stage II, will be included.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Receiving other clinical trials that could interfere with the outcomes of this study.
- Subject with recent history of surgery on affected shoulder
- Subject with history of any trauma/fracture around shoulder complex
- Subject with rotator cuff lesion and tendon calcification.
- Patients contraindicated to joint mobilization
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Technique + Conventional TreatmentThe 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 | Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment |
| Gong Mobilization + Conventional TreatmentThe 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. | Other | Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment |
Primary outcome
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: 3 weeks
It is a self-reported questionnaire designed to measure pain and functional disability in individuals with shoulder conditions, such as frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries. It consists of two subscales: pain and disability, providing a comprehensive assessment of shoulder function.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: 3 weeks
The NPRS is a segmented numeric version of the visual analog scale which is used to assess pain. It scores ranges from 0-10, 0 means No pain and 10 means Severe pain. Patient will be asked to verbally report the pain score.
Goniometer for range of motion
Time frame: 3 weeks
A goniometer is a standard clinical tool for objectively measuring joint range of motion (ROM). It demonstrates high validity, correlating strongly (r > 0.90) with advanced motion analysis systems. Its reliability is also excellent, with high intra-rater (ICC > 0.90) and inter-rater (ICC 0.85-0.99) scores. This makes it a dependable instrument for both assessing patients and guiding treatment in rehabilitation and research.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Physiotherapy Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women With Frozen Shoulder
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Effects of Posterior Capsular Stretching With and Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises in Frozen Shoulder
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Maria khalid, MSOMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Spencer Technique + Conventional Treatment and Gong Mobilization + Conventional Treatment in people with Frozen Shoulder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (time frame: 3 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Mar 2026.