Effect of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy on Shoulder Pain, Disability, and Passive Range of Motion in Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Preliminary Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy on primary shoulder adhesive capsulitis by assessing the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and shoulder passive range of flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

Methods

Thirty subjects with shoulder adhesive capsulitis, having a minimum 3 months history of shoulder pain, aged 41 to 72 years, were randomized to receive either physiotherapy (PT) or PT plus TECAR therapy (TT). Both groups received 8 sessions of PT treatment, including modalities and exercises, and the TT group received an additional 10 minutes of TECAR treatment in the resistive mode. SPADI and shoulder passive range of motion were evaluated before treatment, 1 day after the 8th session, and after 1 month.

Results

Significant changes in all variables were observed in both groups (P < .001), except the passive external rotation range and disability subscale of SPADI, which were significant only in the TT group. Changes in all variables (except the disability subscale of SPADI and total SPADI scores) did not have any relationship with the membership of patients in the groups, means there was no interaction between time and type of intervention. There were no significant between-group differences (P > .05).

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, TT and PT treatment both showed improvements in shoulder passive ROM, pain, and disability. There were no significant differences between the groups.