EFFECT OF CONSERVATIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF A COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a painful musculoskeletal disorder
characterized by progressive restriction of active and passive shoulder movements, resulting in
substantial functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions
remain the cornerstone of management, aiming to alleviate pain, restore joint mobility, and improve
functional independence. While various physiotherapy techniques have demonstrated effectiveness,
evidence describing the overall impact of conservative physiotherapy on clinical outcomes remains
clinically relevant.
Objective
To evaluate the effect of conservative physiotherapy on pain intensity, shoulder range of motion, and
functional disability in individuals with adhesive capsulitis through a secondary analysis of data
obtained from a comparative experimental study.
Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a comparative experimental study involving 40
individuals diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Participants received conservative physiotherapy
comprising either Mulligan Mobilization combined with Interferential Therapy or Dry Cupping
therapy over a four-week intervention period. Clinical outcomes included pain intensity measured
using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), and functional disability
measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Within-group analyses assessed
changes following intervention.
Results
Both conservative physiotherapy interventions produced statistically significant improvements in all
measured outcomes after four weeks of treatment. Within-group analysis demonstrated significant
reductions in pain intensity and significant improvements in shoulder range of motion and functional
disability in both intervention groups (all p < 0.001). Overall, conservative physiotherapy effectively
improved pain, mobility, and shoulder function in individuals with adhesive capsulitis. The original
comparative study further demonstrated comparatively greater improvement in shoulder mobility and
overall functional recovery in participants treated with Mulligan Mobilization combined with
Interferential Therapy than in those receiving Dry Cupping therapy. These statements reflect the
findings reported in the source thesis.
Conclusion
Conservative physiotherapy is effective in reducing pain, improving shoulder mobility, and enhancing
functional outcomes in individuals with adhesive capsulitis. Both treatment approaches produced
clinically meaningful improvements over four weeks, supporting the important role of physiotherapy
in the conservative management of this condition.