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NCT Number: NCT07161622

Comparing Low-Level Laser and Muscle Energy Techniques in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder

The current study is to evaluate the comparative effects of low-level laser therapy and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion, and functional results in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. This research aims to enhance the existing data on managing diabetes-related musculoskeletal issues by assessing the comparative advantages of various therapies, therefore assisting physicians in choosing appropriate, patient-centred rehabilitation procedures.

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Key information

Conditions

Frozen Shoulder Bursitis Diabetes Mellitus Endocrine System Diseases Glucose Metabolism Disorders Joint Diseases Metabolic Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Eligible participants were male and female individuals aged 18 to 65 years with a verified diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinical manifestations of frozen shoulder for at least three months. The diagnosis was determined by limited glenohumeral joint mobility, characterised by a decrease of ≥20° in a minimum of three active movements: flexion <144°, abduction <120°, and external rotation <72°. Cases of both unilateral and bilateral nature were incorporated.

Exclusion criteria

The exclusion criteria included a history of traumatic shoulder injury or prior surgery; neurological involvement, such as brachial plexus injury or cervical radiculopathy; rotator cuff tears or other ligamentous pathologies; tumours or malignancies affecting the shoulder; and corticosteroid injection within the preceding three months

Treatment and study plan

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Other

Participants received LLLT using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) diode laser device (BTL-5000, UK). The laser operated at a wavelength of 830 nm and a power output of 100 mW. Irradiation was applied at three sites (anterior capsule, posterior capsule, subacromial area) using a stationary-contact technique for 60-90 seconds each, delivering 4 J/cm² per site. Sessions were administered three times weekly for eight weeks.

Conventional Therapy (for both groups):

15 minutes of moist heat (Chattanooga Hydrocollator)

Pendulum exercises

Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises

Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers

Postural correction training

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Other

Participants received MET for major shoulder muscles (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was performed at ~20% of maximum effort, sustained for 10 seconds, followed by 5 seconds relaxation, and then passive stretch to new end range. Three to five cycles per muscle group were performed. Sessions lasted ~20 minutes, three times weekly for eight weeks.

Conventional Therapy (same as Arm A):

15 minutes of moist heat

Pendulum exercises

Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises

Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers

Postural correction training

Primary outcomes

Shoulder function

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after intervention initiation.

Measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a validated patient-reported outcome measure assessing disability and symptoms related to upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Higher scores indicate greater disability.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy Versus Muscle Energy Techniques Among Diabetic Patients With Frozen Shoulder

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Sep 8, 2025
Registry last updated: Sep 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed