77 patients with rotator cuff tear and concomitant shoulder stiffness were randomized to receive arthroscopic anterior interior capsular release either with or without extended posterior capsular release. The purpose was to determine if extended posterior capsular release provides additional benefits in range of motion and clinical outcome. Results indicated significant improvements from baseline to last follow-up in the outcomes of forward flexion, external rotation with 90 deg abduction, external rotation at side, internal rotation, visual analog pain scores, ASES scores, and SST scores. No between-group differences, however, were observed for any outcome.