Electrotherapy modalities for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a prevalent condition causing shoulder pain and restricted movement, impacting daily activities.
• Electrotherapy modalities are frequently integrated into physical therapy to alleviate pain and enhance shoulder function.
• This review updates existing Cochrane reviews on physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence on the efficacy and safety of electrotherapy modalities for treating adhesive capsulitis.
• To evaluate electrotherapy when used alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions.
• To assess benefits and harms of various electrotherapy treatments for frozen shoulder.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus) and clinical trial registries up to May 2014.
• Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized trials comparing electrotherapy to placebo, no treatment, or other interventions.
• Focused on outcomes such as pain relief, function, global treatment success, active abduction, quality of life, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Low-quality evidence suggests low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may improve treatment success after six days.
• Moderate-quality evidence indicates LLLT combined with exercise likely improves pain and function compared to exercise alone.
• Evidence is uncertain regarding pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and other electrotherapy modalities as adjuncts to exercise.

Conclusions:

• LLLT may offer benefits for frozen shoulder, particularly when combined with exercise, showing improvements in pain and function.
• The effectiveness of PEMF and other electrotherapy modalities as adjuncts to exercise remains unclear.
• High-quality RCTs are necessary to confirm the benefits and harms of electrotherapy interventions in clinical practice.