OBJECTIVE: Adhesive capsulitis is common in type 2 diabetic patients. The painful nature of adhesive capsulitis and the lack of effective therapy for improving motion and diminishing pain demonstrate the demand for a new effective therapeutic intervention. The current study aimed to determine the efficacies of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and reflexology for improving range of motion (ROM) in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: Forty volunteer patients of both sexes with proven type 2 diabetes and adhesive capsulitis were included in the current study. The patients were divided into two groups each comprising 20 patients as follows; group I (LLLT): patients received LLLT for 15 minutes and group II (reflexology): patients received reflexology in the form of thumb walk for 15 minutes. Therapy was applied 3 times/week for 8 weeks with concurrent 15 minutes exercise. RESULTS: Patients received LLLT showed a significant increase in ROM of abduction, internal rotation, flexion, and external rotation at the end of 4 and 8 weeks. Reflexology induced a significant improvement in shoulder ROM at 8 weeks posttreatment, however, its effect on internal rotation ROM was non-significant at the end of 4 weeks period. CONCLUSION: LLLT and reflexology significantly improved ROM and reduced pain severity in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis; LLLT seemed to be more effective. Thus, both therapies may be recommended in the treatment of frozen shoulder, pending further investigations to trace out their exact efficacies.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PDF locator
• publisher