Effects of Scapular Mobilization Combined with Resistance Band Exercises on Shoulder Range of Motion and Pain Level in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis at Thong Pha Phum Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of scapular mobilization techniques combined with elastic band exercises on the range of motion (ROM) and pain level in patients with adhesive capsulitis at Thong Pha Phum Hospital, Kanchanaburi Province.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with two-group pretest-posttest design was conducted. The sample consisted of 30 patients with adhesive capsulitis, selected according to criteria and randomly divided into two groups of 15 each using simple random sampling. The control group received standard physical therapy, while the experimental group received standard physical therapy combined with scapular mobilization techniques and elastic band exercises. The intervention was administered twice a week for 6 weeks. Outcomes were measured using a goniometer and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results: The experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in shoulder abduction and shoulder external rotation ROM compared to pre-intervention (p<0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly greater shoulder external rotation ROM compared to the control group (76.93 ± 9.8 vs. 63.93 ± 16.66 degrees; p<0.001). The pain level tended to decrease in the experimental group, but the change was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Scapular mobilization techniques combined with elastic band exercises can effectively increase shoulder external rotation ROM compared to standard physical therapy alone. This combined approach may be beneficial for comprehensive future planning of rehabilitation guidelines for patients with adhesive capsulitis.