A CASE REPORT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF SPENCER TECHNIQUE ON PAIN, ROM, AND DISABILITY IN A SUBJECT WITH SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

Background-Shoulder impingement syndrome is characterized by tendinitis in the rotator cuff muscles as they travel through the space beneath the acromion or subacromial space. It is accompanied with shoulder pain, limited range of motion and weakness in resisted abduction and forward flexion and stiffness.[1] shoulder impingement occurs in 1 to 5% of the 7 to 30% prevalence of shoulder pain.[2] Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common pathologic condition of the shoulder joint. It is characterized by progressive shoulder pain and restriction of the range of motion.[3] In general population, prevalence rate of frozen shoulder is as high as 8.2% in males and 10.1% in females, with a peak incidence at 55 years of age.[4] Various studies show that Spencer technique is effective in reducing pain, improving ROM and relieving stiffness. Spencer technique is an articulatory technique with seven different procedures used to treat shoulder restriction caused by adhesive capsulitis.[5,6,7,8,9,,17] Since shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder have similar or common symptoms, Spencer technique might also be effective in treating symptoms of Shoulder impingement syndrome. A patient with shoulder impingement syndrome was assessed. Along with conventional therapy for shoulder impingement, Spencer technique was provided to the patient as a part of rehab program to improve range of motion and decrease pain.