Effects of Conventional Physical Therapy With and Without Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Adhesive Capsulitis.

Effects of Conventional Physical Therapy With and Without Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Function, Scapular Dyskinesia and Proprioception in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis.

The objective of this study will be to determine the Effects of conventional physical therapy with and without scapular stabilization exercises on pain, function, scapular dyskinesia, and proprioception in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by the gradual onset of severe shoulder pain with the progressive limitation of active and passive glenohumeral range of motion. Due to capsular tightness and pain, scapular positioning and proprioception get affected. An increase in the abnormal positioning of the scapula and proprioception deficit disturbs the whole biomechanics of the shoulder joint and are the main causes of residual pain and stiffness following PT treatment.

In previous studies, several studies have reported the effects of scapular stabilization exercises on pain, ROM, and function but there is a paucity of literature available on specifically addressing scapular dyskinesis and joint position sense in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Scapular stabilization techniques will help to improve proprioception and the length-tension relationship of the scapular muscles, which may effectively reduce the time taken for the rehabilitation of the patient with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis for more than 4 months (Stage 2)
• Unilateral idiopathic adhesive capsulitis
• Shoulder Pain on NPRS ≥5
• Restricted ROM (loss of ≥ 25% relative to non-involved shoulder in one or multidirectional)
• Patients volunteered to participate in the study and signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of shoulder surgery or manipulation under anesthesia
• Unstable fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and those with severe joint pain unrelieved by rest
• Neurologic deficits affecting shoulder functioning during daily activities
• Pain or disorders of the cervical spine, elbow, wrist, or hand
• Other pathological conditions involving the shoulder (rotator cuff tear, tendinitis, etc.)