Impact of Spencer Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients With Frozen Shoulder: A Pilot Study

Background and objective The shoulder is the most flexible ball- and socket-type joint in the human body. The pathological condition that can commonly affect this joint is the frozen shoulder. This condition is marked by pain and stiffness in the area surrounding the shoulder complex. This leads to difficulty in doing the daily activities of living. Exercise and physical therapy are mostly recommended to decrease pain and improve and maintain the range of motion (ROM). Mainly traditional techniques such as Mulligans, Maitland, and Kaltenborn are used, along with electrotherapy and exercises, for the treatment of this condition. The effect of the Spencer technique is seen in baseball players' shoulder function. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine how the Spencer approach affects patients with frozen shoulders in terms of pain, ROM, and functional impairment. Methodology This study included 20 patients aged between 40 and 60 years with stage 2 and 3 diagnosed frozen shoulder. This is a single -group pilot study that received the Spencer technique along with a moist heat pack and Codman's exercises on the affected shoulder for three weeks. Outcome measures used for assessment before and after treatment were the visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder ROM, and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). After the second, third, and sixth months, a follow-up was conducted. Two patients were lost to follow-up; consequently, statistical analysis was performed on the data from 18 patients. Results The current study's results suggested that there was an improvement in the mean values of VAS, ROM, and SPADI at post-three weeks, and a sustained effect was observed at the second, third, and sixth months. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found. Conclusions The study's conclusions demonstrated improved pain, ROM, and SPADI scores post -intervention. Treatment effects persisted, as seen by follow-up at the two, three, and six-month marks. As a result, the Spencer technique utilized in this pilot study on frozen shoulder patients proved effective. Also, the outcome effects were sustained, which suggests its utility in frozen shoulder rehabilitation.