Multimodal Physiotherapy Management for Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Report

Hafidz Taqiudien Amrullah; Arif Pristianto; Widyo Bintoro

doi:10.24843/mifi.000001810

Authors

Hafidz Taqiudien Amrullah Professional Physiotherapy Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Arif Pristianto Professional Physiotherapy Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Widyo Bintoro Physiotherapy Unit, Indriati Hospital, Solo Baru, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000001810

Keywords:

Adhesive Capsulitis, Physical Therapy Modalities, Pain Measurement, Shoulder Pain, Disability Evaluation, Range of Motion, Articular

Abstract

Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by progressive shoulder pain and restricted range of motion, resulting in functional limitations. Multimodal physiotherapy is commonly used in clinical practice; however, reports remain limited, particularly in describing detailed short-term clinical outcomes of structured multimodal physiotherapy programs in real-world clinical settings.

Objective: This case report aims to describe the clinical outcomes of a multimodal physiotherapy program on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional ability in a patient with adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: A 69-year-old male presented with a 5-month history of left shoulder pain and stiffness. The patient underwent four physiotherapy sessions over two weeks. The intervention consisted of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Short Wave Diathermy (SWD), manual therapy, and a structured home exercise program. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ROM measurement, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

Results: Pain during movement decreased from 5/10 to 2/10, while tenderness decreased from 4/10 to 3/10. ROM improved in flexion (80° to 100°), extension (20° to 30°), abduction (70° to 90°), and adduction (20° to 30°). The SPADI score improved from 62% to 45%, indicating reduced disability.

Conclusion: Multimodal physiotherapy was associated with short-term improvements in pain, ROM, and functional ability in this patient. However, these findings are limited to a single case and should be interpreted with caution.