Effectiveness of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Patients with Periarthritis Shoulder: A Systematic Review

Yetigadda Bhargavi, Sindhura K Prasanth

Abstract: Background: A disorder of unknown aetiology, periarthritis shoulder is "characterised by significant pain and restriction of both active and passive shoulder motion". It is sometimes referred to as adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. This systematic review aims to determine how proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and scapular stabilisation exercises affect patients with periarthritis shoulder. Methodology: This systematic review's database search encompasses publications from 2000 to 2025 from Google Scholar, PubMed, Pedro, Research Gate, and Cochrane. Using the keywords search, 113 articles in all were found. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to filter and sort the articles. For the review, seven papers were chosen. All clinical trials using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and scapular stabilisation exercises to improve quality and reduce discomfort in patients with periarthritis shoulder were included in the review search. Articles published in languages other than English that lacked full text and relevant data were not included. Result: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) approaches and scapular stabilisation exercises significantly improved shoulder range of motion, pain reduction, and functional results in patients with adhesive capsulitis, according to the review search analysis. When compared to traditional physiotherapy alone, studies consistently found higher improvements in abduction, external rotation, and everyday activity performance. Conclusion: The analysis comes to the conclusion that incorporating PNF-based exercises and functional scapular stabilisation into rehabilitation regimens provides better therapeutic outcomes for managing periarthritic shoulder. These methods improve scapulohumeral rhythm, lessen discomfort, and hasten recovery, which justifies their use as an evidence-based strategy to help patients with periarthritis shoulder function and quality of life. Firm findings are, however, restricted by the paucity of research on scapular stabilisation. To ascertain their long-term effectiveness and the ideal treatment parameters, further excellent trials are required.

Keywords: Scapular Stabilization Exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique, periarthritis shoulder, frozen shoulder, VAS, NPRS, DASH, SPADI, ROM

How to Cite?: Yetigadda Bhargavi, Sindhura K Prasanth, "Effectiveness of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Patients with Periarthritis Shoulder: A Systematic Review", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 934-940, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251211212347, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251211212347