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. 2024 Nov 27;16(11):e74640.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74640. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Assessing the Impact of Maitland Mobilization Combined With a Conventional Physiotherapy Regimen Using the Visual Analog Scale and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scale in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder With Moderate Tissue Irritability Level

Vaishali Jagtap  1 , G Varadharajulu  2
Affiliations

Assessing the Impact of Maitland Mobilization Combined With a Conventional Physiotherapy Regimen Using the Visual Analog Scale and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scale in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder With Moderate Tissue Irritability Level

Vaishali Jagtap et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Patients suffering from diabetic frozen shoulder face particular challenges, including limited shoulder motion and excruciating pain. Although traditional physiotherapy methods are commonly used, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of combining Maitland mobilization with traditional treatments, especially considering patients' tissue irritability levels as often patients cannot tolerate mobilization and exercises due to tissue irritability. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Maitland mobilization combined with a conventional physiotherapy regimen on pain and functional ability using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scales in diabetic patients suffering from a frozen shoulder with moderate tissue irritability levels. Methodology A total of 30 diabetic patients suffering from frozen shoulders with moderate irritability levels were assigned to two groups. Group A was administered conventional physiotherapy which consisted of hot moist packs, therapeutic ultrasounds, and exercises. Group B received conventional therapy with Maitland mobilization. The treatment lasted for six weeks with four sessions per week. Pre- and post-treatment pain and disability were assessed using the VAS and DASH scales. Results Post-treatment Groups A and B showed significant improvements. In Group A, the mean VAS score reduced from 4.97 ± 0.26 to 4.00 ± 0.19 (p < 0.001), while Group B showed a greater reduction from 5.00 ± 0.21 to 2.71 ± 0.13 (p < 0.001). Both groups showed an improvement in DASH scores, with the DASH score decreasing from 27.17 ± 2.37 to 21.89 ± 1.89 in Group A (p < 0.001). Group B showed more significant improvement from 27.23 ± 1.73 to 15.12 ± 0.78 (p < 0.001). Intergroup analysis between both groups showed significantly better outcomes in Group B in both VAS and DASH scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions Maitland mobilization with conventional physiotherapy significantly decreases pain and improves functional recovery in diabetic patients suffering from frozen shoulders with moderate tissue irritability levels.

Keywords: diabetic; frozen shoulder; maitland mobilization; moderate tissue irritability; physiotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad issued approval KIMSDU/IEC/06/2022. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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