Slider Versus Tensioner Median Nerve Mobilization in Patients With Frozen Shoulder Randomized Controlled Comparative...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Frozen shoulder (FS) causes significant pain and loss of glenohumeral (GH) joint mobility, impacting daily activities.
• Increased neural mechanosensitivity may contribute to FS pain and functional limitations, but mechanisms are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of slider versus tensioner median nerve mobilization techniques (NMTs) for frozen shoulder.
• To evaluate the impact of these NMTs on pain intensity, functional disability, and passive GH joint range of motion (ROM).

Main Methods:

• Sixty-two FS patients were randomized into two groups: slider NMT (Group A) or tensioner NMT (Group B).
• Both groups received GH joint mobilization and traditional physical therapy for six weeks.
• Outcomes measured included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for function, and passive GH ROM via goniometry.

Main Results:

• Both NMT groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, SPADI, and passive ROM (abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) post-treatment.
• The slider technique group demonstrated slightly greater improvements compared to the tensioner group, though benefits were incremental.

Conclusions:

• Both slider and tensioner median NMTs are effective in improving pain, function, and GH mobility in frozen shoulder patients.
• Slider median nerve mobilization techniques may offer a slight advantage over tensioner techniques for frozen shoulder management.