Effect of Myofascial Relaxation on Individuals With Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis is a shoulder pathology characterized by pain persisting for more than three months due to fibrosis and contractures in the glenohumeral joint capsule, active and passive joint motion limitation and functional insufficiency. Although there are many factors that trigger this pathology, also known as frozen shoulder, its etiology is not known precisely. The clinical findings, course and prognosis are known with the researches. Although its incidence in the general population is %2-5, it is more likely to be seen in women between the ages of 40-70 and more than men. There are two types, primary and secondary. Primary frozen shoulder is idiopathic. Secondary frozen shoulder develops secondary to trauma, immobilization, rotator cuff tears, diabetes, biceps tendinitis, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, psychological disorders, and post-surgical causes. Soft tissue contracture and adhesions in the capsule and axillary space are also seen in the pathogenesis. It is examined clinically in three stages. The first phase lasts about 0-3 months, when the intensity of the pain is high and the limitation of shoulder movements begins gradually. In the second stage, the severity of the pain slightly decreases, but the limitation of joint motion gradually increases, functionality decreases and lasts for about 3-9 months. In the third stage, the severity of the pain decreases, the joint movement limitations begin to recover slowly and gradually and lasts about 9-15 months. The treatment program shaped according to the characteristics of the stages; It includes conservative treatment approaches consisting of patient education, prevention, medical treatment, physiotherapy and exercises, and may require surgical treatment depending on the severity of the prognosis. Patient education in conservative treatment, hot packs, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Ultrasound (US), Laser, Iontophoresis etc. Electrotherapy agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, taping, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises such as stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques are frequently used.

Restriction in shoulder movements is quite evident especially in flexion, abduction and external rotation movements. Contracture of the ligaments in the shoulder reduces the volume of the capsule. The capsule decreasing in volume causes limitation of movement. However, the pain is not only due to the tension in the capsular and ligaments, but also due to the tension in the muscles and fascia and trigger toxins. Many therapeutic methods are used to relieve these trigger points and facial tensions. One of these methods is the "myofascial release technique" that focuses on soft tissues that are particularly tense and in spasm. This technique is a treatment method aimed at resolving fascial adhesions, restoring the optimal length of the muscle, reducing pain and increasing functionality.

Inclusion criteria

• Being diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis
• Being 18 years or older
• Agree to voluntarily participate in research

Exclusion criteria

• Cervical disc hernias
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Full thickness rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Individuals with corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint
• Individuals who have undergone surgical procedures on the shoulder joint
• Individuals with bone tumors or other malignant diseases
• Having mental and cognitive problems
• Physiotherapy or manual therapy on the same shoulder 6 months ago