The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and shoulder stabilization exercises on pain, quality of life and functionality in adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis (AC), often referred to as frozen shoulder, is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, and progressive limitation of shoulder mobility, which substantially impairs daily activities and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and shoulder stabilization exercises on pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, shoulder function, and quality of life in individuals with AC. Thirty-two participants diagnosed with AC were randomly assigned to two groups: the PNF group (n=16) (received conventional physiotherapy plus PNF exercises), and the Stabilization group (n=16), (received conventional physiotherapy plus stabilization exercises). Both groups underwent treatment once daily, five days a week for three weeks. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale – VAS), ROM (goniometry), muscle strength (manual muscle testing-MMT), shoulder functionality (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand – DASH), and quality of life (Short Form-12 – SF-12) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the PNF group compared to the Stabilization group in shoulder flexion, abduction, adduction, and external rotation ROM, as well as in internal rotator muscle strength (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the groups in pain intensity, DASH, or SF-12 scores (p>0.05). Both exercise approaches contributed positively to clinical outcomes in patients with AC. Nevertheless, PNF exercises appear to provide superior gains in ROM and muscle strength, indicating their potential as an effective adjunct to standard physiotherapy protocols.