To Compare the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Ultrasound with Scapular Mobilization Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Capsular Stretching in Frozen Shoulder

Pooja M S, Dr. R. Balasaravanan, Dr. Soma Shekar

Abstract: Background: Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is characterized by pain and progressive restriction of both active and passive shoulder movements, leading to functional disability. Various physiotherapy interventions are used to reduce pain and improve range of motion (ROM), yet comparative evidence between commonly used modalities remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in conjunction with capsular stretching vs therapeutic ultrasound in conjunction with scapular mobilization in patients suffering from frozen shoulder. Methods: 60 patients with frozen shoulder were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30 each) for comparative research. Group B received TENS with capsular stretching, and Group A received therapeutic ultrasound with scapular mobilization. For three weeks, interventions were given once a day, five days a week. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to quantify pain intensity, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) was used to measure functional status, and a universal goniometer was used to measure shoulder range of motion. Paired and independent t-tests were used to assess pre- and post-intervention data, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Following the intervention, both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, range of motion, and functional status (p<0.05). While between-group differences were not statistically significant for all metrics, Group A demonstrated a higher percentage improvement in VAS and ROM than Group B. Conclusion: For patients with frozen shoulder, both TENS with capsular stretching and therapeutic ultrasound with scapular mobilization are useful in lowering discomfort and enhancing shoulder function. Scapular mobilization in conjunction with ultrasound showed somewhat better clinical results, indicating its value as a recommended intervention in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis with physical therapy.

Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, TENS, capsular stretching, scapular mobilization, therapeutic ultrasound, VAS, SPADI, ROM

How to Cite?: Pooja M S, Dr. R. Balasaravanan, Dr. Soma Shekar, "To Compare the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Ultrasound with Scapular Mobilization Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Capsular Stretching in Frozen Shoulder", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1558-1566, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251219111122, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251219111122