HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Rapid Responses are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Vermeulen, H. M Articles by van den Ende, C. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Vermeulen, H. M Articles by van den Ende, C. H.

End-Range Mobilization Techniques in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint: A Multiple-Subject Case Report

HM Vermeulen, PT, MT, is Physical and Manual Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands (h.m.vermeulen{at}lumc.nl). Address all correspondence to Mr Vermeulen
WR Obermann, MD, PhD, is Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center
BJ Burger, MD, PhD, is Orthopaedic Surgeon, Medical Center Alkmaar, Alkmaar, the Netherlands
GJ Kok, PT, is Physical Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center
PM Rozing, MD, PhD, is Professor of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center
CHM van den Ende, PT, PhD, is Physical Therapist and Sociologist, Department of Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of end-range mobilization techniques in the management of patients with adhesive capsulitis. Case Description. Four men and 3 women (mean age=50.2 years, SD=6.0, range=41–65) with adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint (mean disease duration=8.4 months, SD=3.3, range= 3–12) were treated with end-range mobilization techniques, twice a week for 3 months. Indexes of pain, joint mobility, and function were measured by the same observer before treatment, after 3 months of treatment, and at the time of a 9-month follow-up. In addition, arthrographic assessment of joint capacity (ie, the amount of fluid the joint can contain) and measurement of range of motion of glenohumeral abduction on a plain radiograph were conducted initially and after 3 months of treatment. Outcomes. After 3 months of treatment, there were increases in active range of motion. Mean abduction increased from 91 degrees (SD=16, range=70–120) to 151 degrees (SD=22, range=110–170), mean flexion in the sagittal plane increased from 113 degrees (SD=17, range=90–145) to 147 degrees (SD=18, range=115–175), and mean lateral rotation increased from 13 degrees (SD=13, range=0–40) to 31 degrees (SD=11, range=15–50). There were also increases in passive range of motion: Mean abduction increased from 96 degrees (SD=18, range=70–125) to 159 degrees (SD=24, range 110–180), mean flexion in the sagittal plane increased from 120 degrees (SD=16, range=95–145) to 154 degrees (SD=19, range=120–180), and mean lateral rotation increased from 21 degrees (SD=11, range=10–45) to 41 degrees (SD=8, range=35–55). The mean capacity of the glenohumeral joint capsule (its ability to contain fluid) increased from 10 cc (SD=3, range=6–15) to 15 cc (SD=3, range=10–20). Four patients rated their improvement in shoulder function as excellent, 2 patients rated it as good, and 1 patient rated it as moderate. All patients maintained their gain in joint mobility at the 9-month follow-up. Discussion. There seems to be a role for intensive mobilization techniques in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. Controlled studies regarding the effectiveness of end-range mobilization techniques in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis are warranted.

Key Words: Adhesive capsulitis • Mobilization techniques • Multiple-subject case report • Shoulder • Shoulder function

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J.-l. Yang, C.-w. Chang, S.-y. Chen, S.-F. Wang, and J.-j. Lin Mobilization Techniques in Subjects With Frozen Shoulder Syndrome: Randomized Multiple-Treatment Trial Physical Therapy, October 1, 2007; 87(10): 1307 - 1315. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. M Vermeulen, P. M Rozing, W. R Obermann, S. le Cessie, and T. P. Vliet Vlieland Comparison of High-Grade and Low-Grade Mobilization Techniques in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Randomized Controlled Trial Physical Therapy, March 1, 2006; 86(3): 355 - 368. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. J Rundquist and P. M Ludewig Correlation of 3-Dimensional Shoulder Kinematics to Function in Subjects With Idiopathic Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion Physical Therapy, July 1, 2005; 85(7): 636 - 647. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A.-T. Hsu, T. Hedman, J. H. Chang, C. Vo, L. Ho, S. Ho, and G.-L. Chang Changes in Abduction and Rotation Range of Motion in Response to Simulated Dorsal and Ventral Translational Mobilization of the Glenohumeral Joint Physical Therapy, June 1, 2002; 82(6): 544 - 556. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H M Vermeulen, M Stokdijk, P H C Eilers, C G M Meskers, P M Rozing, and T P M V. Vlieland Measurement of three dimensional shoulder movement patterns with an electromagnetic tracking device in patients with a frozen shoulder Ann Rheum Dis, February 1, 2002; 61(2): 115 - 120. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]