Comparative Effects of Myofascial Arm Pull and Post Isometric Relaxation Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder is a common debilitating disorder characterized by shoulder pain and progressive loss of shoulder movement. Frozen shoulder is frequently associated with other systemic conditions or occurs following periods of immobilization, and has a protracted clinical course, which can be frustrating for patients as well as health-care professionals .Loyd define secondary frozen shoulder as a condition resulting from painful spasm on shoulder which causes activity limitation and dependency on opposite arm. In general population, the prevalence rate of frozen shoulder is around 2% to 5% and it ranges from 11% to 30% in diabetic population. Women are affected more than male and approx. 70% cases of frozen shoulder are on female. Among all frozen shoulder cases; around 20% to 30% patients develop frozen shoulder on opposite shoulder. Most of the frozen shoulder cases develop on non dominant shoulder. Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder is seen commonly at age of 40-65 years. Traditionally, FS has been regarded as a self-limiting and benign disease with complete recovery of pain and ROM. However, this condition can sometimes last for years. In one study, 50% of patients were still experiencing pain or stiffness of the shoulder at a mean of 7 years from the onset of the condition, although only 11% reported functional limitation. Different Physical therapy interventions used in patients with frozen shoulder frequently include modalities, manual techniques, and therapeutic exercise. Exercises given in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis consists of active ROM, Codman's exercise, wall walks, shoulder wheel, pulley, active and passive stretching, and rotator cuff and scapular strengthening exercises, METs, Gong mobilization, Mulligan mobilization. Many strategies have been employed in clinical practice to improve range and strength in prior research. There are limited studies regarding comparisons between the effects of myofascial arm pull and post isometric relaxation techniques that give the evidence of improving end painful ranges of adhesive capsulitis for long term effect. This study will be conducted to check the positive effect of myofascial arm pull technique and post isometric relaxation to increase end range in adhesive capsulitis. The literature review was conducted using different databases and the eleven selected articles fulfilled the criteria and included in research. Conclusion: Addition of Myofascial release technique and post isometric relaxation technique both as an adjunct to conventional treatment will have better benefits and faster recovery in patients with frozen shoulder but there are limited studies about the comparison of myofascial arm pull and post isometric relaxation techniques on pain, range of motion and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis. I will conduct this study to determine which technique is better to gain painful end ranges in adhesive capsulitis. So that this study will provide different treatment strategies for frozen shoulder to improve end painful ranges.