Assessment of Knowledge and Practices Regarding Shoulder Mobilizing Exercises Among Frozen Shoulder Patients

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder movement. Adequate knowledge and consistent practice of shoulder exercises are essential for improving pain and mobility. This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge and practice regarding shoulder exercises and to examine their association with patient-reported improvement. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 140 patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2024. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, knowledge, and practice of shoulder exercises. Knowledge and practice levels were categorized as good, moderate, or poor. exercise adherence was assessed both via self-report and observation. Associations between education, knowledge, practice, and patient-reported improvement were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants were middle-aged (45–54 years, 40%) and female (58.6%). Overall, 32.1% had good knowledge, 51.4% moderate, and 16.4% poor knowledge regarding shoulder exercises. Regarding practice, 25.0% demonstrated good practice, 47.9% moderate, and 27.1% poor practice. Higher education was significantly associated with better knowledge (p = 0.02) and practice (p = 0.01). Patient-reported improvement was significantly associated with both knowledge (p = 0.011) and practice (p = 0.001), with 62.2% of patients with good knowledge and 71.4% of patients with good practice reporting improvement in pain or mobility. Conclusions: Although most patients had moderate knowledge and practice, better knowledge and adherence were strongly associated with improvement in frozen shoulder symptoms. Strategies to enhance patient education, guided exercise sessions, and adherence support are essential to optimize functional outcomes.