MAITLAND TECHNIQUE VERSUS SCAPULAR TRIGGER POINTS RELEASE IN TREATMENT OF SHOULDER ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS.

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis is characterized by pain, limited shoulder elevation and loss of function. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Maitland technique, added to home exercises program versus scapular trigger points release added to the same home exercises program in treatment of shoulder adhesive capsulitis, by measuring pain, range of motion of shoulder flexion and functional activities. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 15 patients who received either Maitland technique or scapular trigger point's release, three times a week for 6 weeks. Visual analog scale, American shoulder and elbow scale (ASES), active goniometric flexion range of motion (ROM) measures by OB goniometer were recorded pre-and post-treatment. Significant improvement was found within groups comparing pre- to post test scores of pain, function and flexion range of motion. Non-significant differences were found between the groups comparing each of the variables. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that either Maitland technique or scapular trigger points release are equally effective interventions for use in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis.