Short-term Effect of Mirror Therapy and Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Frozen Shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis is the developing of dense adhesions, joint capsule thickening and capsular restrictions in the joint along with diminished glenoid cavity. Primary adhesive capsulitis most commonly affects individuals between 40 to 60 years of age. A number of treatment techniques exists for the improvement of adhesive capsulitis whereas Mirror Therapy is a recent technique designed to improve adhesive capsulitis.

Objective: To compare the short-term effect of Mirror Therapy and Maitland Mobilization in stage 1 & 2 adhesive capsulitis.

Methodology: The study is a randomized controlled trial which included 34 subjects of the age group 40-60, and were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (n=17) and Group B (n=17). The Group A was given Mirror Therapy with conventional physical therapy while group B was given Maitland Mobilization with conventional physical therapy. Outcome measure were taken at baseline, and then taken on last day of seventh session by using VAS, ROM, DASH. The treatment was given for 7 sessions over a period of two weeks.

Results: The results show that on comparison of pre and post intervention values within each group, both the groups produced statistically significant difference (p<0.05). On comparison between the groups, ROM shows statistically significant difference(p<0.05) compared to VAS and DASH.

Conclusion: The current study results shows that Mirror Therapy is better than Maitland Mobilization in terms of relieving pain, improving functional activity and increasing range of motion.

Clinical Trials Registration No. CTRI/2020/09/027576.