Abstract
Background: Painful restriction of shoulder movement, without an underlying cause, which results in complete loss of motion of the glenohumeral joint is called Frozen Shoulder. The process is started with an inflammation of the lining of the joint within the shoulder. Gradually this area thickens and results in the shoulder becoming stiffer and more painful. It is seen commonly at the age of 40-65 years and more often in women. Overall, this condition affects work, leisure, and quality of life. Frozen shoulder often progresses in three stages: the freezing, frozen and thawing phases. Risk factors for frozen shoulder are diabetes, thyroid, history of shoulder trauma, cervical radiculopathy, post-operative immobilization, and shoulder surgery. Cyriax described the typical capsular patterns of the gle¬no humeral joint in the frozen shoulder with abduction more limited than external rotation, and external rota¬tion more limited than internalrotation. This study aims to establish the effect of gleno humeral capsulo ligamentous stretch maneuvers on bilateral frozen shoulder. Methods: A total of 40 subjects diagnosed with bilateral frozen shoulder were selected for the study. Subjects received low load prolonged stretching, mobilization and shoulder range of motion exercises. Each session was conducted for 30 minutes duration, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures used were Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Goniometer and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: The results of the study demonstrate that there was a significant effect of gleno humeral capsulo ligamentous stretch on numerical pain rating scale (p<0.0001), range of motion (Shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation (p<0.0001), Shoulder pain and disability index (p<0.0001) during the pre and post intervention assessment. Conclusion: It is concluded that that the use of low load prolonged stretch and mobilization was very effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion. Shoulder range of motion exercises was effective in improving strength and flexibility of shoulder musculature. KEYWORDS: Low load prolonged stretch, mobilization, numerical pain rating scale, Shoulder pain and disability index, Bilateral frozen shoulder.