Influence of enhancing dynamic scapular recognition on shoulder disability, and pain in diabetics with frozen shoulder: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Frozen shoulder (FS) is a familiar disorder. Diabetics with FS have more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis. Thus, this study investigated the influence of enhancing dynamic scapular recognition on shoulder disability and pain in diabetics with FS. CASE SUMMARY A Forty-five years-old male person with diabetes mellitus and a unilateral FS (stage II) for at least 3 mo with shoulder pain and limitation in both passive and active ranges of motion (ROMs) of the glenohumeral joint of ≥ 25% in 2 directions participated in this study. This person received dynamic scapular recognition exercise was applied to a diabetic person with a unilateral FS (stage II). The main outcome measures were upward rotation of the scapula, shoulder pain and disability index, and shoulder range of motion of flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The dynamic scapular exercise was performed for 15 min/session and 3 sessions/wk lasted for 4 wk. After 4 wk of intervention, there were improvements between pre-treatment and post-treatment in shoulder pain, shoulder pain and disability index, shoulder ROM, and upward rotation of the scapula. CONCLUSION This case report suggested that enhancing dynamic scapular recognition may improve shoulder pain and disability; upward rotation of the scapula; and shoulder ROM of shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation after 4 wk.