Effects of Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Technique and Wax Therapy among Periarthritis Shoulder Patients

Abstract

Background: Periarthritis shoulder is a process usually begins with an injury or stiffness of the soft tissues and due to overuse injuries. Joint mobilization is an effective intervention for Periarthritis shoulder. Scapular PNF techniques in Periarthritis shoulder is used to decrease intra articular pressure by increasing mobility of the joint capsule and its surrounding soft tissue that results in a reduction of pain and increase range of motion and shoulder function. However the combined effectiveness of Scapular PNF Technique and Wax therapy is unknown. The aim of the study is to find out to compare the effectiveness of Scapular PNF Technique and Wax therapy on patients in reducing pain and increasing range of motion.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of Aarupadai Veedu Medical College with the total of 50 subjects. Subjects were distributed in two groups. Experimental group (25 subjects) is treated with Scapular PNF Technique along with wax therapy. Controlled group (25 subjects) is treated with Shoulder free exercises along with wax therapy. Treatment was given 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Restricted joint range of motion and severity of pain were measured before and after treatment completion by using goniometer and NPRS pain scale respectively.

Results: Results of the present study revealed that there was a significant difference in NPRS pain scale, AROM-GH-Flexion, AROM-GH-Abduction and AROM-GH-External rotation who were treated in group A Scapular PNF Technique along with wax therapy with mean being 3.12, 125.2, 119.4 and 46.4 respectively compared to group B Shoulder free exercises along with wax therapy with mean being 4.56, 116, 117.6 and 34.4 in 4 weeks. Statistical analysis done with using both paired and unpaired “t” test which showed more significant improvement in group A.

Conclusion: On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that, the present study provided evidence to support the use of physical therapy regimen for Periarthritis shoulder in the form Scapular PNF Technique along with wax therapy reduction of pain and improvement of glenohumeral range of motion in terms of NPRS pain scale and AROM respectively. In addition, results support that Scapular PNF Technique showed better result as compared to Shoulder free exercises in 4 weeks.