To Compare the Effectiveness of Phonophoresis with Scapular Stabilization Exercise versus Interferential Therapy with Scapular Stabilization Exercise in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Soum Subhra S, Veena J, Dr. Bharath Raju G

Abstract: Background: About 44?65% of all shoulder-related complaints are caused by Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS), one of the most common shoulder disorders. Conservative management includes therapeutic exercise and electro-physical modalities. This research contrasted the efficacy of interferential therapy (IFT) combined with scapular stabilisation exercise versus phonophoresis in SAIS patients. Methods: A randomized comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with SAIS, allocated into two groups (n=30 each). Group A underwent diclofenac gel phonophoresis using ultrasound combined with scapular stabilisation exercises. Group B received IFT along with scapular exercises for stabilisation. Ten sessions were held for both groups, five days a week for two weeks. Results were assessed using the Pressure Pain Threshold and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI),(PPT), and a goniometer was used to measure shoulder range of motion (ROM). Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain and ROM post-intervention (p<0.05). However, Group A demonstrated greater improvement in SPADI (47.7% vs. 32.8%), PPT, and ROM (flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Phonophoresis combined with scapular stabilisation exercise was more effective than IFT with exercise in reducing pain, improving shoulder mobility, and enhancing functional outcomes in SAIS patients. Better outcomes could be explained by phonophoresis's increased drug delivery effect.

Keywords: Subacromial impingement, Phonophoresis, Interferential Therapy, Scapular Stabilization Exercises, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Pain pressure threshold

How to Cite?: Soum Subhra S, Veena J, Dr. Bharath Raju G, "To Compare the Effectiveness of Phonophoresis with Scapular Stabilization Exercise versus Interferential Therapy with Scapular Stabilization Exercise in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 423-427, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251204145919, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251204145919