EFFECTIVENESS OF POSTERIOR CAPSULE STRETCHING VERSUS ANTERIOR CAPSULE STRETCHING WITH CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH FROZEN SHOULDER: A THREE-ARM COMPARATIVE STUDY

Author Name: 1. Sonali Sharma 2. Dr. Savita Singh 3. Dr. Pushpa Ladwal

Volume/Issue: 07/03

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2026-89765199/UIJIR

Affiliation:

2. Head of department in Physiotherapy Department of Jagannath University Delhi, NCR, Bahadurgarh, Haryana

3. Assistance professor in Physiotherapy Department of Jagannath University Delhi, NCR, Bahadurgarh, Haryana

ABSTRACT

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain, progressive restriction of shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functional disability. Capsular tightness, particularly involving the anterior and posterior portion of glen humeral joint, plays a significant role in limiting mobility. Although conventional physiotherapy is widely used, the effectiveness of targeted capsular stretching technique remains unclear. To compare the effectiveness of posterior capsule stretching versus anterior capsule stretching, along with conventional physiotherapy, in patient with frozen Shoulder. Group A (Posterior capsule stretching + conventional physiotherapy), Group B (Anterior capsule stretching + conventional physiotherapy), Group C (Conventional physiotherapy only). Interventions will be administered for 4 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Outcome measures will include Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder ROM measured using a universal goniometer. Both stretching groups are expected to show superior improvement compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Posterior capsule stretching may demonstrate greater gains in internal rotation and shoulder function.

Key words: Adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, posterior capsule stretching, anterior capsule stretching, physiotherapy, and shoulder rehabilitation.