Comparative effect of Gong’s mobilization and Spencer technique to manage frozen shoulder

Abstract

Introduction. Physical therapy plays a significant role in managing frozen shoulder (FS), and it includes applying manual mobilization techniques to reduce pain, restore the extensibility of the shoulder capsule, and increase range of motion (ROM). The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gong’s mobilization and Spencer technique in reducing pain and functional disability, and improving shoulder ROM in FS patients. Methods. A pretest-posttest experimental study design was adopted; 30 patients diagnosed with unilateral FS were selected and randomized into 2 groups of 15 with a simple random technique. Experimental group I (EG-I) received Spencer technique and ultrasound therapy, with Codman’s pendulum exercise (CPE). Experimental group II (EG-II) received Gong’s mobilization technique and ultrasound therapy, with CPE. The intervention lasted for 5 days and consisted of 1 session every day. Three variables were assessed to study the treatment effectiveness before the intervention and at the end of the first week: (i) pain intensity as measured with the visual analogue scale; (ii) shoulder ROM as measured with a goniometer (abduction, flexion, and medial rotation); (iii) functional disability as measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results. EG-II showed a better reduction in pain intensity (mean difference [MD]: 0.87) and SPADI (MD: 7), and increase in shoulder ROM (MD: abduction: 15.76; flexion: 15.67; medial rotation: 10.33) than EG-I at 0.05 levels of significance. Conclusions. Gong’s mobilization was found to be more effective than Spencer technique with ultrasound therapy and CPE in treating patients with FS.