Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Long-term Functional Outcomes of Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

Effects Of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Long-term Functional Outcomes of Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis refers to the occurrence of pain and a gradual decline in the range of motion (ROM) due to slow increases in synovial hypertrophy and the adhesion between the synovial membrane and articular surface. It leads to the loss of flexibility and difficulties with the activities of daily living (ADLs) due to chronic inflammation accompanied by intra-articular fibrosis. The real cause of this syndrome is unknown but there are some predisposing factors involved such as synovial cell hyperplasia, fibrosis of the capsule due to cytokines or other inflammatory factors. In the current study investigator will compare the effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) along with conventional therapy to treat the adhesive capsulitis.

This study will be a Randomized Controlled Trail conducted at Horizon hospital, Lahore. The study will be completed within the time duration of Six months. Consecutive sampling technique will be used to collect the data. The sample size of 44 patients will be taken in this study to find the effects of ESWT on pain, ROM, functional mobility. Patient will be divided into two groups. Group A will be treated with ESWT with conventional therapy and Group B will be treated with conventional therapy. Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) tools will be used to measure the outcomes of the study.

One session of treatment per week for four weeks will be given. Pretest, posttest at 4th week and followup of 24th weeks will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Relapsed or episode of pain score ≥5 at assessment with a past history of pain for at least 2 months.
• ROM restriction (>75% ROM loss in ≥2 directions including abduction, flexion and external rotation)
• No treatment other than analgesics with unresponsive ROM restriction for the past 2months.
• Unwilling or waiting and did not undergo joint injection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• bilateral shoulder involvement
• History of previous surgery on the shoulder
• Shoulder fracture
• Cancer
• Glenohumeral or Acromioclavicular arthritis
• Inflammatory disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• Presence of severe osteoporosis
• Pulmonary diseases
• Any neuromuscular disorders
• Pregnancy
• Implanted pacemaker