EFFECTIVENESS OF SPENCER MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES INTEGRATED WITH DRY NEEDLING AND CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY IN TREATING ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS

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BACKGROUND
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a painful musculoskeletal condition characterized by
progressive pain, stiffness, and restricted active and passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint. It commonly
affects individuals between 40 and 60 years of age and significantly interferes with activities of daily living,
occupational performance, and overall quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions, including manual
therapy, dry needling, therapeutic exercises, and electrotherapy, are widely used to improve pain and restore shoulder
function. However, limited evidence is available comparing Spencer and Maitland mobilization techniques when
combined with dry needling and conventional physiotherapy.
AIM
To compare the effectiveness of Spencer Mobilization Technique integrated with dry needling and conventional
physiotherapy in patients with adhesive capsulitis.
OBJECTIVES
• To evaluate the effect of Spencer Mobilization with dry needling and conventional physiotherapy on
pain, shoulder range of motion, and functional disability.
METHODOLOGY
A study was conducted on 15 participants diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis who met the inclusion and exclusion
criteria.
Spencer Mobilization + Dry Needling + Conventional Physiotherapy. .
The intervention was administered over the prescribed treatment period. Outcome measures included the Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for functional disability, and
goniometric measurement of shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, and external rotation). Data were
analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired and independent t-tests, with a significance
level of p < 0.05.
RESULTS
The group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, shoulder range of motion, and functional
disability following treatment (p < 0.05). The group indicated that the Spencer Mobilization group showed good
improvement in shoulder range of motion and SPADI scores, These findings suggest that integrating manual therapy,
dry needling, and conventional physiotherapy is effective in the rehabilitation of adhesive capsulitis.
CONCLUSION
Spencer Mobilization demonstrated comparatively greater improvement in shoulder mobility and functional
recovery. A multimodal physiotherapy program incorporating manual therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercise
may therefore be recommended for the conservative management of adhesive capsulitis.