Effects of Activity Versus Structural Oriented Treatment Approach on Pain, Range of Motion, and Function in Patients With Frozen Shoulder.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition of uncertain etiology, characterized by shoulder stiffness, severe pain, significant restriction of range of motions, and limitation in participation in socio-economical life. According to a concept, pain causes changes in the brain making it learn the non-use, and therefore, even after healing of peripheral structures has occurred, the brain may not be able to organize voluntary actions owing to the induced central changes. Physical therapy plays an important role to bring pain relief and return of functional motion in frozen shoulder and there are many approaches available that can be used but literature on treatments based on neuroplasticity is comparatively less.

According to the research available, neuroplasticity has been effective in treating frozen shoulder. Similarly, PNF, home exercises, and joint mobilizations have also proven to be effective. The effects of the activity related and structural-oriented treatment on the frozen shoulder has not been addressed in diabetic patients yet. More RCTs are required to determine the best treatment for managing adhesive capsulitis in diabetics. Therefore, this research will be conducted which will compare the activity-based approach and the conventional approach to treating frozen shoulder in diabetics. The results may open new aspects of treating frozen shoulder in diabetics which can be cost-effective as well.