The Effect of PNF and Shoulder Stabilization Exercises on Pain, QoL and Functionality in Patient With AC

Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is an insidious, painful condition of the shoulder lasting more than 3 months. This inflammatory condition causing fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule is accompanied by gradual progressive stiffness and marked limitation of range of motion (typically external rotation). Patients experiencing this condition often suffer from poor quality of life due to the limitation of both the active and passive range of shoulder mobility. The prevalence of frozen shoulder is between 2-5% and is more common in women. Along with the increase in comorbidities and changes in lifestyle, the incidence of FS is increasing. However, the natural history and pathogenesis of adhesive capsulitis have not been widely studied and are still unknown. Adhesive capsulitis presents clinically as shoulder pain with progressive restricted movement, both active and passive, with normal radiographic scans of the glenohumeral joint. Classically, it progresses prognostically with 3 overlapping stages: pain (stage 1, lasting 2-9 months), stiffness (stage 2, lasting 4-12 months), and healing (stage 3, lasting 5-24 months). However, this is an estimated time frame and many patients may still experience symptoms after 6 years. Treatment modalities include conservative (ie, steroid injection, physiotherapy) and operative (ie, distension arthrography, manipulation under anesthesia, and arthroscopic release). Various physical therapy treatments commonly used in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis include ice pack, hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and active and passive ROM exercises, joint mobilization techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), supervised home exercise programs, and Kinesio taping.