Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy on Shoulder Range of Motion In Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis

Effect of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy on Shoulder Range of Motion In Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis

The current study's general aim is to compare the effectiveness of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy combined with stretching versus stretching alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis stage 2,3 on range of motion, pain, and function.

Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is often defined as insidious shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM) loss of more than 25% in at least 2 planes. Furthermore, there was passive external rotation loss of more than 50% of the unaffected shoulder, or less than 30° of available external rotation. The specific cause of the rotator interval contracting and the capsule thickening, which results in shoulder pain and a decrease in capsular volume, is still a mystery One of the alternate methods used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases is transfer energy capacitive and resistive or TECAR therapy, which is a deep heat-generating modality delivering radiofrequency energy ranging from 300 kHz to 1 MHz. TECAR therapy enhances the physiological tissue metabolism by transferring energy and increasing electrolytic motions within tissues, causing increased deep temperature, microcirculation, vasodilatation, and muscle flexibility Considering the importance of proper adhesive capsulitis treatment and the lack of rigorous studies, especially randomized controlled studies, on the effects of TECAR Therapy in adhesive capsulitis management and capsular extensibility.

Besides, application of TECAR therapy may show added benefit, like decreasing the time needed to gain ROM when compared to stretching only and pain and function. Results could provide more insight into the directional preference of modalities during treatment. Therefore, the results of the current study might help to improve practice, helping clinicians to consider using TECAR therapy as an effective treatment for primary frozen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of both genders with primary adhesive capsulitis.
• Patients aged between 40-65.
• Pain duration of three months or more.
• Range of motion loss of greater than 25% in at least 2 planes and passive external rotation loss that is greater than 50% of the uninvolved shoulder or less than 30° of external rotation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral adhesive capsulitis,
• Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
• Malignancies,
• Heart diseases
• Infections
• Coagulation disorders
• Full rotator cuff tear
• History of recent shoulder surgery
• Neurological problems involving the upper extremity
• Shoulder joint osteoarthritis
• Upper extremity fractures
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Impaired sensation
• Having a heart pacemaker
• Pregnancy
• Physiotherapy treatment in the previous 6 weeks