Comparative Study on the effectiveness of Maitland Mobilization Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique in Treatment of Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

Objective: Different treatment approaches have been advocated for adhesive capsulitis, but there is not much scientific evidence to support the standard treatment. The purpose of this study is to establish best and efficient protocol for treatment of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

Method and subjects: 30 subjects including both sexes between 40-60 years, Diagnosed adhesive capsulitis were selected and with lottery random sampling method were assigned in two groups (A or B) with 15 subjects each. Group A received moist pack for 15 minutes, active ROM exercises and Maitland mobilization. Group B received moist pack for 15 minutes, active ROM exercises and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). Both the groups were treated 6 times a week for 2 weeks and were told to continue the exercises at home. All the subjects were measured for pain by VAS, for all shoulder movements by goniometer on first day before starting treatment and on 15th day after treatment.

Result: There was significant improvement from pre-treatment levels in pain and ROM in both groups. Although the ROM improvement was seen more in Maitland mobilization group and reduction in pain was seen more in MET group.

Conclusion: MET is more effective in reducing pain so when pain of an acute or chronic nature, makes controlled contraction of involved muscles difficult, the therapeutic use of the antagonists by MET can patently be of value and as soon the pain subsides Maitland mobilization can be incorporated to increase ROM.