Short-Term Outcomes of Home-Based and Outpatient Programs of Physical Therapy in Patients With Frozen Shoulder and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

The aim: is to compare short-term results of home-based and outpatient programs of physical therapy among patients with frozen shoulder and concomitant thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.
 Materials and methods. The study involved 80 patients. The range of motion in the shoulder joint affected by capsulitis was assessed. A numerical pain scale was used to assess pain sensations when pressing on trigger points. Functional limitations in the shoulder were measured by means of the Oxford Shoulder Score (before and 1.5 months after the end of the physical therapy). Participants were divided into two groups: home-based group (HG) and outpatient group (ОG). All the patients were consulted by a physical therapist. ОG patients received end-range mobilization with the assistance of a physical therapist 5 times a week to improve shoulder joint mobility. Most of ОG participants received 15 procedures (3 weeks). Patients HG performed therapeutic exercises without any assistance at home. (twice a day, 3 weeks). In terms of trigger points therapy, the patients performed ischemic compression without any assistance.
 Results. Patients of both groups demonstrated positive dynamics of the studied indicators. Comparison of the short-term results of the therapy according to range of motion and pain showed better indicators in the ОG. Comparison of the initial results of the groups in Oxford Shoulder Score items did not reveal any significant differences. Total score was 18.2±6.5 points in ОG and 17.6±7.5 points in HG (p=0.715). Me (25%; 75%) values were 17.5 (12.5; 23.8) and 18 (13; 23.5) points, respectively. Comparison of the final results of the groups in Oxford Shoulder Score items revealed significant differences. Total score was 47 (47; 48) points in ОG and 33 (31; 35.75) points in HG (p<0.001). x̅±SD values were 46.5±2.6 and 32.8±4.4 points, respectively.
 Conclusions. Short-term results of the outpatient program in terms of pain indicators, mobility of the shoulder joint and functional limitations were better as compared to the home-based program of physical therapy in patients with frozen shoulder and concomitant thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.