Comparison of Spencer's Muscle Energy Technique and Post-facilitation Stretch in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons defines this condition as: "A condition of varying severity characterized by the gradual development of global limitation of active and passive shoulder motion where radiographic findings other than osteopenia are absent." Patients with frozen shoulder typically experience insidious shoulder stiffness, severe pain that usually worsens at night, and near-complete loss of passive and active external rotation of the shoulder.

Although spencer's Muscle Energy Technique is a very effective technique, still it was rarely used. It is a standardized series of steps of shoulder treatments with broad application in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis developed by Spencer in 1961 and is a well-known osteopathic manipulative technique that focuses on mobilization of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints. It is an articulatory technique in which passive, smooth, rhythmic motion of the shoulder joint is done by the therapist to stretch contracted muscles, ligaments, and capsule. Most of the force is applied at the end range of motion. This technique increases pain-free Range of Motion by stretching the tissues, enhancing lymphatic flow, and stimulating increased joint circulation.

On the other hand, "post-facilitation stretch (PFS)" is a muscle energy technique developed by Dr.Vladimir Janda to lengthen chronically shortened muscles that involves a maximal contraction of the muscle at mid-range with a rapid movement to maximal length followed by a 20-second static stretch. This technique is more aggressive than Post Isometric Relaxation and based on the concept of autogenic inhibition