A recent case report has highlighted the effectiveness of combining physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment in managing pain for a patient suffering from idiopathic frozen shoulder and neck pain. This innovative approach has shown significant improvements in the patient's condition, offering hope for others facing similar challenges.
Key Takeaways
Combined physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with frozen shoulder.
The case study involved a 51-year-old female nurse with chronic shoulder and neck pain.
After treatment, the patient reported a substantial decrease in pain levels and an increase in shoulder range of motion.
Background on Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It affects approximately 2% to 5.3% of the general population, with neck pain often accompanying it. The condition can severely impact daily activities and quality of life, making effective treatment essential.
Case Study Overview
The patient, referred to as F.C., began experiencing worsening pain in her right shoulder in November 2022. Despite undergoing corticosteroid injections and physical therapy, her condition showed only partial improvement. In April 2023, she began a new treatment regimen that included:
20 sessions of manual physiotherapy (45 minutes each)
8 sessions of osteopathy (30 minutes each)
The physiotherapy focused on mobilisations, joint capsule stretching, and muscle stretching, while the osteopathic treatment targeted the diaphragm muscle.
Treatment Results
The outcomes of the treatment were assessed using the DASH Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. The results were promising:
DASH Score: Decreased from 98 to 75 points
VAS Score for Shoulder Pain: Decreased from 9 to 3 points
VAS Score for Neck Pain: Decreased from 7 to 3 points
Elbow pain was completely resolved after just three sessions.
The patient reported a significant reduction in her reliance on pain medication, stopping completely after 12 sessions. By the end of the treatment, she was able to resume nearly all work activities and experienced almost complete range of motion in her shoulder.
Conclusion
This case report underscores the potential benefits of integrating physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment for managing idiopathic frozen shoulder. The patient expressed high satisfaction with her treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing complex musculoskeletal conditions. As more healthcare professionals explore these combined therapies, patients may find new avenues for relief from chronic pain and improved quality of life.
Sources
The Effectiveness of Combined Physiotherapy and Osteopathic Treatment in Pain Management in a Patient with Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder and Neck Pain: a Case Report, Cureus.
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