Effect of capsular stretch on frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a chronic disabling disease of the shoulder. The management of the frozen shoulder are numerous, but the studies show their own limitation. Biomechanically, it was noted that the cause of the frozen shoulder is capsular tightness. However, previous studies are not explained this well. So, this study was designed to identify the effect of capsular stretch on a frozen shoulder. Study was conducted at the OPD of physiotherapy, Chettinad Super Specialist Hospital, Chennai. Two hundred and twenty participants were selected for the study. Screening was conducted for these participants, and eighty were recruited for the study. They were all randomly allocated into two groups, with twenty-five (25) in each. Group I, with 25 subjects,, was given capsular stretching for 15 minutes and moist heat therapy for 10 mins. Group II, with 25 subjects, was given general shoulder exercises for 15 minutes and moist heat therapy for 10 mins. All the subjects were taught with Codman’s pendular exercises as a home programme. Study was conducted for eight (8) weeks. The outcomes selected in this study are pain and range of motion (Abduction & External rotation). This was assessed using a Numerical pain rating scale and Goniometer. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. The NPR and ROM variables were examined using the unpaired ‘t’-test with the 0.05%. The result of the study shows that the ‘t’ value for the NPR is 20.25 ± 0.15 with p< 0.05%, the Abduction range of motion is 15.6 ± 2.77, and External rotation is 15.04 ± 1.53. This indicates a marked difference obtained among Group I and Group II, as well as a substantial variation between the pre-intervention and post-intervention values. This study concluded that capsular stretching had significantly improved pain and shoulder range of motion more than shoulder exercises.