Abstract

Background: In adhesive capsulitis, subscapularis, the largest and strongest muscle of the rotator cuff, undergoes tightness, which affects the abduction and external rotation of shoulder. There are many physiotherapy interventions used in treatment of adhesive capsulitis and among them, positional release technique is a method in which evaluation and treatment is done using tender/trigger points and a position of comfort to resolve the associated dysfunctions like pain and tightness. Objective: To compare the immediate effectiveness of subscapularis positional release technique in combination with shoulder capsular stretches over shoulder capsular stretches alone in patients with unilateral adhesive capsulitis. Methodology: 20 Patients with unilateral adhesive capsulitis were selected and divided into two groups based on the selection criteria. Group A received Subscapularis Positional Release Technique along with capsular stretches and Group B received capsular stretches alone. Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Active Shoulder range of motion using Goniometry were used as outcome measures pre and post treatment. Result: On comparing pre to post intervention values in Group A and Group B, there was significant improvement noted in terms of pain and shoulder ROM statistically, in both the both groups, but Group A showed more significant improvement. Conclusion: The present study concluded that both the groups showed improvement statistically and clinically in terms of pain and shoulder ROM, but the participants who were given Subscapularis Positional Release Technique with capsular stretches showed more improvement compared to participants who were given capsular stretches alone.

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