Effects of combining both mobilization and hold-relax technique on the function of post-surgical patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis

Objective: This study investigated the effects of combining both mobilization and hold-relax (HR) technique on the function of post-surgical patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Forty-five surgical patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis participated in this study and were randomly divided into three groups; both mobilization with movement (MWM) and HR technique (HR-MWM) group (n=15), the MWM group (n=15), and control group (n=15). All participants received three different interventions; 1) MWM combined with HR technique in PNF stretching on the shoulder, 2) MWM on the shoulder, 3) general physical therapy and intervention with neither MWM or HR stretching. Pre- and post-intervention, each subject was randomly evaluated for shoulder flexion range of motion (ROM), shoulder flexor muscle strength, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Korean version of the Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI). Results: The MWM combined with HR technique group had significant effects on shoulder flexion ROM, shoulder flexor muscle strength, VAS and SPADI compared to the MWM and control group (p<0.05). The MWM group showed a significantly greater increase in shoulder flexion ROM compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that combining both the MWM and HR technique on the shoulder may more effectively improve shoulder function than MWM alone or without MWM&HR technique. Therefore, combining both the MWM and HR technique is a suggested intervention for increasing function due to shoulder adhesive capsulitis after surgery.