Vibrotherapy positively affects mobility and pain sensation in frozen shoulder syndrome

Vibrotherapy can rapidly improve mobility in the shoulder joint and reduce pain in patients with frozen shoulder, giving it an advantage over conventional therapeutic methods.

Frozen shoulder is characterized by soreness and limitation of elevation of the affected limb and external rotation of the shoulder in the absence of radiographic changes. It is a disease that causes tissue degeneration, thickening of the joint capsule and reduced volume of the glenoid cavity. The disease is divided into three stages: severe pain, gradual restrictions in range of motion with pain, and resolution of pain and recovery of range of motion. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vibration therapy on the treatment of pain and range of motion in frozen shoulder syndrome.

Vibrotherapy reduced shoulder pain by 30% and increased the range of motion of the shoulder after one treatment session.

Comparing the results of range of motion (flexion, extension, external rotation and internal rotation) before and after one vibrotherapy session was the best for external rotation (30.07% improvement).

Vibrotherapy also improved internal rotation by 30.07%, flexion by 25.33% and inversion by 19.06%.

Vibrotherapy performed in frozen shoulder therapy effectively improves range of motion and can be used together with conventional treatment.

Compiled from:

Effectiveness of matrix rhythm therapy in frozen shoulder with respect to ROM and pain- An experimental study.  Varun Naik, Sandeep Bhagwat, Tanvi Pathania and Farhana. Bootwala. International Journal of Applied Research 2018; 4(1): 73-76.

Study population

This study was an experimental trial involving 10 men aged 40-60 with frozen shoulder syndrome. Exclusion criteria for participation in the study were diabetes, shoulder surgery and allergic skin conditions.

Study procedure

Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), where 0 means no pain and 10 means unbearable pain. A universal goniometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint. Measurements were taken before and immediately after the first treatment session. 

Use of vibrotherapy in the study

A device with a vibrating head at a frequency of 8 to 12 Hz was used to perform vibrotherapy. Vibrating action as micro-extension movements are transmitted to internal organs, tissues and bones. Such a frequency has a positive effect on disorders of the body, i.e. injury, inflammation or pain. The action of vibration therapy consisted of longitudinally massaging the shoulder, pectoral and armpit muscles using a head. Each session lasted between 60 and 75 minutes. 

Results

Mean VAS scores dropped from 6.04 to 4.18 (a decrease of 30.79%). Comparing the results of range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation) before and after one session of vibrotherapy, it was best for external rotation (30.07% improvement), followed by internal rotation (25.68% improvement), flexion (25.33% improvement) and abduction (19.06% improvement).

Comment

The results of this study indicate that vibration therapy performed on the affected shoulder joint is effective in improving shoulder range of motion. Other studies using this therapy indicate positive results. A study conducted to compare the effects of massage and vibrotherapy on peripheral blood circulation on the muscles of the left lower limb in young women showed that vibrotherapy had a significant effect on increasing peripheral blood flow. A study comparing three different physiotherapy modalities, such as ultrasound, laser therapy and vibration therapy applied to the treatment of burns. Active and passive range of motion was significantly improved with ultrasound and vibration therapy than with laser therapy. The study also showed that vibration therapy had a positive effect on sensory function. This could be due to the rebalancing of cellular microprocesses on which cell regeneration and cell healing depend. The study also showed a significant increase in muscle strength only in the vibration therapy group, which may suggest that the therapy is more effective in restoring muscle strength compared to other treatments. There is also evidence of improved microcirculation in the tissues after vibrotherapy, giving rise to better removal of metabolic products, reduced swelling and improved soft tissue extensibility. The only side effect observed after vibration therapy was muscle soreness. 

Read more in: