The effect of spencer technique exercises along with ultrasound therapy and interferential therapy for adhesive capsulitis in diabetic population

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and disabling condition characterized by stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, commonly affecting individuals between 40 to 60 years of age and particularly prevalent among diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Spencer technique exercises combined with ultrasound therapy and interferential therapy (IFT) against the use of ultrasound and IFT alone in individuals with adhesive capsulitis in a diabetic population. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving 20 participants divided into two groups: Group A received Spencer technique with ultrasound and IFT, while Group B received only ultrasound and IFT. Both groups underwent treatment three times a week for three weeks. Outcome measures included shoulder flexion, abduction, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, assessed pre- and post-treatment. Statistical analysis using the unpaired t-test showed significant improvements in Group A compared to Group B. The post-test p-values for shoulder flexion (0.000092), abduction (0.000074), and SPADI score (0.007507) were all below 0.05, indicating statistical significance. The findings suggest that the addition of Spencer technique to conventional modalities resulted in greater improvements in pain reduction, range of motion, and functional ability of the shoulder. In contrast, although Group B also showed improvement, the results were comparatively less significant. It was concluded that the Spencer technique, when combined with ultrasound and IFT, is more effective in managing adhesive capsulitis in diabetic individuals than conventional modalities alone.