Which method for frozen shoulder mobilization: manual posterior capsule stretching or scapular mobilization?

This study aimed to compare the superiority of scapular mobilization, manual capsule stretching, and the combination of these two techniques in the treatment of frozen shoulder patients to evaluate the acute effects of these techniques on shoulder movements.

This study designed to a single-blinded, randomized, and pre-post assessment study. This study was included 54 patients diagnosed with stage 3 frozen shoulder. Group 1 (n=27) received scapular mobilization, and Group 2 (n=27) received manual posterior capsule stretching. After the patients were assessed, the interventions were re-applied with a crossover design to obtain results for the combined application (n=54). The range of motion, active total elevation, active internal rotation, and posterior capsule tensions of the shoulder joint were recorded before and immediately after mobilization.

Statistical analysis showed an increase in all range of motion values (p<0.05), except for shoulder internal rotation (p>0.05), without significant difference among the groups (p>0.05). The posterior capsule flexibility did not change in any group (p>0.05).

Scapular mobilization and manual posterior capsule interventions were effective in improving the acute joint range of motion in frozen shoulder patients.