Comparison of the Effect in ROM Increase and Pain Reduction on Stretching During Ultrasound Treatment in Patients With Frozen Shoulder
A single subject experimental design (alternating treatment design) was used to compare the effects of only ultrasound and ultrasound combined with stretching of the joint capsule on the ROM increase and pain reduction in patients with frozen shoulder. Two subjects were included in each group. In the only ultrasound treatment sessions, ultrasound was applied at the pain point of the shoulder joint in supine position. In the ultrasound combined with stretching treatment sessions, ultrasound was applied at the pain point of the shoulder joint positioned in external rotation and abduction in sitting position. Only ultrasound treatment and ultrasound combined with stretching treatment were alternately performed on each patient. Pain and disability was measured by shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and range of motion (ROM) was measured by scratch test. The results of this study showed that ultrasound combined with stretching treatment were more effective than only ultrasound treatment in ROM increase and pain reduction. However, disability score was not significantly different.