Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques in adhesive capsulitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) treatment techniques in adhesive capsulitis for decreasing pain and disability and increasing range of motion (ROM) and function. A thorough, computerized search was done using database search engines by two reviewers. After meticulous scrutiny and screening of 410 studies, according to the selection criteria, 10 full-text articles were included in the review and meta-analysis. All 10 studies had undergone a methodological quality assessment by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Meta-analysis was done for external rotation, abduction ROM and pain. The most common PNF techniques used by most of the studies were, hold-relax and contract-relax in upper limb D2 flexion, abduction, and an external rotation pattern, while some studies used scapular PNF patterns. Among the 10 included studies, nine showed that the PNF group is superior in decreasing pain and reducing disability, increasing ROM, improving function. The meta-analysis also showed a significant effect size and that the PNF is superior than conventional physical therapy in decreasing pain, increasing external rotation, and abduction ROM.