Effectiveness of PNF Stretching and Self Stretching in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis - A Comparative Study

Background: Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder is characterized by insidious and progressive pain and loss of active and passive mobility of glenohumeral joint. In many physical therapy programs for subjects with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder mobilization techniques are an important part of the intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of PNF stretching techniques and Self stretching techniques in subjects with adhesive capsulitis. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of PNF stretching and self stretching in improving ROM, shoulder pain & disability index in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Method: 30 subjects diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon as having adhesive capsulitis of shoulder joint and who showed a typical restriction of external rotation and abduction were selected. Subjects were randomly taken, divided into two groups each of 15 subjects. Group A: (n=15):- Treated with PNF stretching. Group B: (n=15):- Treated with self stretching. Analysis was based on ROM and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) sub scores and total scores. Outcome measures: The following outcome measures were measured at baseline, 2nd week and 4th week follow up. 1. Active ROM of shoulder External rotation and Abduction. 2. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Results: The ROM and SPADI percentage across baseline, 2nd week and 4th week follow up showed a significant improvement statistically in their mean scores within Group A and Group B. Statistically significant greater changes in score were found in PNF Stretching (Group A) for ROM and SPADI as compared to Self Stretching (Group B). Conclusion: The results indicate that PNF Stretching (Group A) and Self Stretching (Group B) are significantly effective in improving ROM and SPADI (sub scores and total scores). However PNF Stretching (Group A) appears to be more effective in improving glenohumeral joint mobility and reducing disability as compared to Self Stretching (Group B).