Comparison of Spencer muscle energy technique and conventional physiotherapy on pain and disability in shoulder adhesive capsulitis: a quasi-experimental study
Abstract Background Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes severe shoulder discomfort and limited range of motion (ROM). The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spencer muscle energy technique (SMET) in reducing pain and improving functional disability in patients diagno...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-025-00297-9 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes severe shoulder discomfort and limited range of motion (ROM). The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spencer muscle energy technique (SMET) in reducing pain and improving functional disability in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Methods This quasi-experimental study (pre- and post-test) randomly assigned 60 patients to SMET or standard physiotherapy interventions. Group A (control group) received conventional therapy, including 3-MHz ultrasound therapy at 1.5 W/cm2 for 5–7 min per session, active and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises with 5 repetitions, 10-s isometric exercises, and Codman’s pendulum exercises for 1 min. Group B (intervention group) underwent a 7–10-min application of a heating pack, followed by seven Spencer technique procedures. Five repetitions with a 5-s hold during isometric contractions comprised each step. Rhythmic, passive movements with slight resistance mobilized shoulder joints and stretched contracted tissues. The shoulder function was evaluated using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The major outcomes were assessed at baseline, the third week, and the sixth week. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A paired t-test was used to examine DASH and SPADI within-group differences. The 95% CI and p value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results The SMET group showed significant reductions in pain and disability levels by week 6 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). By week 6, NPRS scores in the SMET group decreased from 8.00 ± 1.11 to 1.67 ± 0.92, while in the control group, they dropped from 8.17 ± 1.09 to 4.03 ± 1.07. DASH scores differed between the SMET and control groups, with the SMET group improving from 62.92 ± 16.02 to 11.14 ± 6.98 and the control group from 67.74 ± 15.10 to 23.70 ± 11.20. The SMET group increased more in SPADI scores, from 101.07 ± 14.80 to 17.87 ± 8.82, whereas the control group improved from 103.60 ± 13.67 to 50.30 ± 16.02. Conclusion In conclusion, demographic analysis showed no significant age or gender differences between groups, assuring baseline comparability (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that SMET is more effective than conventional physical therapy in treating adhesive capsulitis pain and impaired function. |
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| ISSN: | 2536-9660 |