Article

Objective: To evaluate Mulligan's technique for relieving pain and improving
functional capacity of the shoulder in patients with adhesive capsulitis in the
stiffness phase.
Methods: A total of 40
subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups: (i) group 1 (n = 20) were treated
with hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and passive
stretching exercises; (ii) group 2 (n = 20) were treated with hot pack,
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and Mulligan's technique. Mulligan's
technique combines the sustained application of a manual "gliding" force to a
joint, with the aim of repositioning bone positional faults while enabling
concurrent physiological (osteo-kinematic) motion of the joint.
All cases were
evaluated using visual analogue scales for pain, passive and active range of
motion, Constant score, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire, and patient and
therapist satisfaction at baseline, after completion of treatment sessions and at
the end of 3 months of follow-up. Results: Marked improvement was noted in both
groups after completion of treatment sessions and at the third month of follow-up
compared with baseline. The improvements in outcome measures, namely pain, range
of motion, shoulder scores, and patient and physiotherapist satisfaction, were
significantly greater in subjects in group 2, who were treated with Mulligan's technique. Conclusion: Mulligan's technique and passive stretching exercises are
both effective in reducing pain, and restoring range of motion and function.
However, compared with stretching exercises, Mulligan's technique led to better
improvements in terms of pain, range of motion, shoulder scores, and patient and
physiotherapist satisfaction.

Langue : ANGLAIS