Immediate Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Mobilization on External Rotation Angle in Individuals with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

To determine the effect of muscle energy technique (MET), mobilization technique, and the combination of these interventions in individuals with shoulder adhesive capsulitis.

Twenty four people aged between 40 and 65 years from Physical Therapy Center, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University participated in this study. All individuals were randomly treated with MET and mobilization or mobilization and MET within two consecutive visits. They were measured shoulder active external rotation range of motion (AER), pain score by visual analog scale (VAS), and shoulder function before and after each treatment immediately, and satisfaction in each visit.

All outcomes at the post-MET, post-mobilization, and post-combination treatments were significantly improved compared to baseline data (p<0.001). Moreover, change of AER and pain score in the participants which were treated with MET were significantly improved rather than mobilization (p=0.003, p=0.032 respectively). No significant difference found in change scores of all outcomes between MET preceding mobilization and mobilization preceding MET.

Both treatments were beneficial in shoulder adhesive capsulitis but MET seemed to be more beneficial than mobilization technique in AER, and pain. It can be suggested to use both treatments for combination since the present study proved the benefits of the combination of MET and mobilization for the individuals with shoulder adhesive capsulitis in AER, pain, and shoulder function domains.