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Abstract
Peri-arthritis is a debilitating condition of shoulder characterized by progressive pain, severe stiffness and movement restriction present in 4th- 6th decade of life. As per aetiology, it is associated with the interaction of constitutional and extrinsic factors among patients. Many different physiotherapy techniques such as manual mobilization, stretching, PNF, flexibility exercise, electro therapeutic modalities are employed to improve symptoms of frozen shoulder. Among them, Muscle Energy Techniques ( MET) are direct manipulative procedures that use a voluntary contraction of the patient’s muscles against a distinctly controlled counter-force from a precise position and in a specific direction. Therefore the objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MET along with capsular stretching in improving range of motion in peri arthritic shoulder. Methodology: In this case series a total five patients (3females and 2 males) clinically diagnosed with peri-arthritis shoulder with no history of trauma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus or any other musculoskeletal and neurosurgical involvement were considered. Pain intensity (NPRS), Range of motion (Goniometer) and functional disability(SPADI) were taken as outcome measures. Baseline assessment of outcome measures was done followed by intervention which was given for 3 weeks and included MET along with capsular stretching for three consecutive days followed by conventional physiotherapy for rest of three days per week for total three weeks. At the end of three weeks, post intervention assessment for the same was done and compared Result: There was comparatively significant improvement in pain intensity (mean difference 2.2 P<0.05).Range of motion was improved (mean difference 13.2 for flexion ,25.2 for Abduction ,15 for IR and 13.8 for ER and P<0.05 ) and this improvement finally results into significant improvement in shoulder disability index (mean difference 12.6 ; P<0.05) Which indicates improved quality of life. Conclusion: This study concludes that Reciprocal inhibition of MET improves the shoulder functions in patients with peri-arthritis when it is employed along with inferior and posterior capsular stretch. It brings better improvement in decreasing pain, improving range of motion and associated decline in the shoulder disability index. Therefore this given protocol has shown to improve quality of life in patients with peri-arthritis.