Prognostic factors of nonsurgical intervention outcomes for patients with frozen shoulder: a retrospective study
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Updated: Jun 24, 2025
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Published on: November 17, 2023
Laura De Cristofaro1, Fabrizio Brindisino2, Davide Venturin2,3
1Physiotherapy Private Practice, Fisiodynamic Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between mental and physical health-related quality of life and the outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with frozen shoulder (FS).
Methods:
This was a two-center retrospective study. It included 84 consecutive patients who underwent a 3-month treatment comprising education, physical therapy, and corticosteroid-anesthetic injections. Changes in range of motion (ROM) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, measured at baseline and after 3 months, were selected as dependent variables. Data on age, sex, Body Mass Index, duration of symptoms, dominant affected limb, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscales were gathered at baseline and investigated as prognostic factors. Backward stepwise regression models were used to identify significant associations.
Results:
At 3-month follow-up, all the patients showed significant improvement. Higher SF-36 General Health, Mental Health and Social Functioning scores at baseline were associated with a greater beneficial change in ROM and SPADI. In contrast, lower SF-36 Bodily Pain and Role Emotional scores were found to be associated with greater improvement.
Conclusion:
The study findings indicate that the self-perceived mental and physical health of patients have a significant impact on both subjective and objective clinical outcomes and healthcare professionals should take these aspects into account.
Level Of Evidence:
Prognostic Level II.
