Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (3): 845-851
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202302_31176

Evaluation of shoulder pain, disability, mobility, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis following suprascapular nerve block combined with low-intensity laser therapy

A.M. Abodonya, S.M. Alrawaili, W.K. Abdelbasset

Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. drabodonya@yahoo.com


OBJECTIVE: Adhesive capsulitis is a common health concern affecting shoulder mobility, which targets around 5% of populations worldwide, consequently affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of combining suprascapular nerve block and low-power laser therapy on pain intensity, mobility, disability, and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2021 and June 2022, 60 patients with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated into three groups, 20 each. The first group was employed for laser therapy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT group). The second group was employed for nerve block one time (NB group). The third group was recruited for nerve block intervention one time in addition to laser therapy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT+NB group). VAS, SPADI, SF-36, and shoulder range of motion were assessed pre- and post-8-week intervention.

RESULTS: Of 60 patients that started the study, 55 patients have completed the study program. No significant differences were noticed between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups before intervention (VAS at rest, p = 0.818, VAS at motion, p = 0.878, SPADI, p = 0.919, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.731, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.936, shoulder flexion, p = 0.441, shoulder abduction, p = 0.722, shoulder internal rotation, p = 0.396, and shoulder external rotation, p = 0.263). However, noteworthy differences were identified between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups (VAS at rest, p < 0.001, VAS at motion, p < 0.001, SPADI, p = 0.011, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.033, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.007, shoulder flexion, p < 0.001, shoulder abduction, p < 0.001, shoulder internal rotation, p < 0.001, and shoulder external rotation, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment modalities whether low-power laser therapy or suprascapular nerve block have beneficial effects in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. The combination of both interventional modalities has beneficial effects in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis more than laser therapy or suprascapular nerve block alone. Accordingly, this combination should be recommended in pain management of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly adhesive capsulitis.

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To cite this article

A.M. Abodonya, S.M. Alrawaili, W.K. Abdelbasset
Evaluation of shoulder pain, disability, mobility, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis following suprascapular nerve block combined with low-intensity laser therapy

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
Year: 2023
Vol. 27 - N. 3
Pages: 845-851
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202302_31176