Year: 2025 | Month: April-June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 87-102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250211
Effectiveness of Positional Release Technique Versus Spencer Muscle Energy Technique in Management of Chronic Frozen Shoulder
Dr. Likhitha S R1, Dr. Syed Rais Akhter Rizvi2
1MPT (Musculoskeletal Sciences), Consultant Physiotherapist, Bangalore, Karnataka.
2MPT (Musculoskeletal Disorder and Sports Physiotherapy), PhD Scholar, JRN University, Udaipur. Director, Institute of Manual Therapy and Taping.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Likhitha S R
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, most commonly affecting individuals aged 40–60 years, particularly women and those with diabetes. Frozen shoulder significantly limits daily activities and reduces quality of life. Despite its prevalence, there is limited evidence comparing specific techniques. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of two manual therapy techniques: Spencer Muscle Energy Technique (SMET) and Positional Release Technique (PRT). The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of SMET and PRT in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with chronic frozen shoulder.
Method: A prospective experimental study was conducted on 30 participants diagnosed with chronic frozen shoulder. Subjects were selected through simple random sampling and divided into two groups of 15. Group A received SMET and Group B received PRT, alongside interventions both groups received conventional therapy, 3 times a week for 4weeks. Outcome measures Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores were noted down both before and after the intervention.
Results: Baseline characteristics including age, gender, and BMI were comparable between the groups. Pre-treatment VAS and SPADI scores showed no significant differences, indicating similar symptom severity. Post-treatment, Group A (SMET) showed a significant improvement compared to Group B (PRT). The significance level was set at p<0.05 for all tests.
Conclusion: The present study indicates that Spencer Muscle Energy Technique proved to be more effective than Positional Release Technique in reducing pain and improving quality of life in individuals with chronic frozen shoulder, as measured by VAS and SPADI scores.
Keywords: Frozen shoulder, Spencer muscle energy technique, Positional release technique, Pain, Quality of life, VAS, SPADI.