Abstract: AIM: To assess whether intraarticular corticosteroids improves the outcome of a comprehensive exercise programme in patients with adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A patients were given intraarticular corticosteroid (1 mL, 7 mg compound betamethasone injection+2% lidocaine+2 mL NS), repeated it again two weeks later, followed by a comprehensive home exercise programme. Group B patients were given guide about comprehensive home exercise programme. All injections were done under ultrasound guiding. Record the SPADI scores at 0 weeks,6 weeks and 3 months. Data analysis was performed using VAS 1.0.RESULTS: The scores of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index were statistically different between the two groups at 6 weeks and 3 months, with the better scores in Group A, the difference of the mean between two groups were more than 10 scores.CONCLUSION: Intraarticular corticosteroids have the additive effect of providing rapid pain relief, intraarticular corticosteroid therapy could be advised concomitantly with exercise.

Key words: Adhesive capsulitis, Intra-articular injection, Home exercise