Efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques as an Adjunct With Mulligan’s Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder

Abstract

Background: Adhesive Capsulitis most commonly referred to as "Frozen Shoulder" is an insidious Painful Condition with progressive and gradual restriction of all planes of movement in the glenohumeral joint. Evidence shows Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) mobilization technique is more effective than muscle energy techniques (MET) and conventional therapy in improving shoulder function. Therefore the present study intends to determine the efficacy of muscle energy techniques along with Mulligan's mobilization with movement, in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. Methods:The present randomized controlled trial was conducted among 30 subjects including both sex groups aged between 40-60 years diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. They were randomly assigned into two groups with 15 subjects each. Group A received Mulligan's mobilization alone, and Group B received Mulligan's mobilization along with MET. Both the groups received the treatment protocol six times a week for three weeks. Pre and post evaluation of pain was done by using the short-form McGill pain questionnaire, range of motion by the Universal Goniometer and the functional disability by using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).Result: There was a significant improvement (P<0.05) in pre and post-intervention levels in both groups. Between groups analysis, the results are: a range of motion improved 30%, and the values are flexion with a p-value of 0.010, for abduction, internal and external rotations with a p-value of 0.000 except for extension with a p-value of 0.109. On comparison of SPADI using Mann Whitney U test, it showed 50% improvement with a significant difference with a p-value of 0.001 and McGill improved for more than 70% with a p-value of 0.000. Conclusion:Mulligan's mobilization along with Muscle Energy Technique is found to be more effective in improving quality of life among subjects with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder than Mulligan's mobilization alone.