Comparison of the Effectiveness of SPENCER MET and PNF Technique in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Adhesive capsulitis is a very common condition which can be observed in the clinical settings, it is commonly known as frozen shoulder and tends to affect the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder. Spencer Muscle Energy Technique (SMET) has been applied in recent times for pain reduction and increased articular ROM. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a technique used in the physiotherapy to enhance the range of motion and activation of muscles via stress relaxation, and gate clinical theory. This study compares the efficacy of Spencer-MET and PNF Techniques for idiopathic unilateral adhesive capsulitis by comparing the decrease in disability using NPRS, goniometry and SPADI scores. To compare the Effectiveness of Spencer-MET and PNF Technique on Pain, Range of Motion (ROM) and Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis. It was a clinical trial in which 84 patients were enrolled at the start of the study.  The score for Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) in the clinical group (PNF Technique) as 2.47 ± 0.79918 and the experimental group (Spencer- MET) as 2.85 ± 0.87.⁵ The time period of this whole study was 6 months. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26 and the major improvements were noted by comparing before and after test results. Spencer-MET group after post treatment had a greater reduction of NPRS scores with a mean of 3.02 and 4.71 for PNF group. Spencer-MET is better suited to treat adhesive capsulitis than Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). It proved more efficacious in reduction of pain and stiffness, enhancing the joint mobility and even the functionality of patients.