Chen JF, Ginn KA, Herbert RD.
This study investigated whether the addition of passive mobilisation of shoulder region joints to advice and exercise for patients with shoulder pain and stiffness is more effective than advice and exercise alone. 90 people who had shoulder pain and stiffness for more than one month received advice and exercise. The experimental group also received passive joint mobilisation of shoulder region joints. Outcome measurements were taken at baseline, one month, and six months. The experimental group had 3% less pain and disability than the control group at one month and 1% less pain at six months, which are statistically nonsignificant. Their global perceived effect was 0.1 out of 5 worse than the control group at one month and 0.1 better at 6 months, which are also statistically non-significant. Differences between groups in all range of motion measures were small and statistically non-significant.
The addition of passive joint mobilisation of shoulder region joints is not more effective than advice and exercise alone for shoulder pain and stiffness.
Aust J Physiother. 2009, 55(1), 17-23.