The Effect of Phonophoresis and Therapeutic Exercise in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis

Abstract

Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a painful condition thatcan be treated with shock waves, phonophoresis, physicaltherapy, oral corticosteroids, and anesthetic manipulation.Aim: The purpose of this research is to determine the effectof phonophoresis and therapeutic exercise in the treatmentof adhesive capsulitis. Method and Materials: Thisrandomized clinical trial Study conducted in DhakaMedical College Hospital for six months. 74 eligiblePatients with adhesive capsulitis attending the rehabdepartment were studied and selected as a sample size.This patients received Diclophenac gel was pulsed at 1 MHzand 1.5 W/cm2 over the joint for 5 mins, 5 times a week for4 weeks. NSAIDs, omeprazole, and exercise were commontreatments. An evaluation made at first, second, and sixthweek. Two follow-up visits, same investigator. Pain anddisability were measured using VAS, ROM, and DASH in each visit. Result: Flexion started at102.160, rose to 113.920 (2nd week), then 126.930 (6th week). Abduction started at 85.700,increased to 108.240 (2nd week), and peaked at 125.410 (6th week). Initially, internal rotationwas 41.270, then increased to 45.920 (2nd week) and 50.410 (6th week). External rotationincreased from 44.380 to 55.840 in 4 weeks. VAS score decreased from 7.590 to 5.380 (2nd week) and 3.680 (6th week). Phonophoresisworks better for reducing pain in earlyadhesive capsulitis. DASH score droppedfrom 67.140 to 31.170 over 6 weeks.Conclusion: Phonophoresis and exerciseare essential for reducing adhesivecapsulitis symptoms, avoiding permanentdeformity, and achieving better results.