Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
05:52
Clinical Efficacy of Small Needle Knife Therapy on Stage I-II Frozen Shoulder
Published on: November 17, 2023
Adhesive capsulitis: establishing consensus on clinical identifiers for stage 1 using the DELPHI technique
Sarah Walmsley1, Darren A Rivett, Peter G Osmotherly
1School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia. Sarah.Walmsley@newcastle.edu.au
Physical Therapy
|July 11, 2009
Summary
This study identified key clinical signs for early adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Experts agreed on 8 identifiers related to pain and restricted movement, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Early-stage adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) presents diagnostic challenges.
- Differentiating it from other shoulder disorders with similar symptoms is difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish expert consensus on clinical identifiers for early primary (idiopathic) adhesive capsulitis.
- Improve early diagnosis and management of frozen shoulder.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a correspondence-based Delphi technique with 70 experts.
- Employed sequential questionnaires over three rounds to achieve consensus.
- Applied statistical analyses (Cronbach alpha, factor analysis) to validate findings.
Main Results:
- Achieved consensus on 8 clinical identifiers for early adhesive capsulitis.
- Identifiers clustered into pain (night pain, pain with movement) and movement (global loss of active/passive ROM, end-range pain).
- Typical onset age identified as over 35 years.
Conclusions:
- First study using Delphi technique to define early adhesive capsulitis identifiers.
- Identified clinical markers may aid early recognition and management.
- Findings can inform future research on frozen shoulder diagnosis and treatment.
