An Integrated Physical Therapy Using Spencer’s Technique in the Rehabilitation of a Patient With a Frozen Shoulder: A Case Report

Abstract

A frozen shoulder is a painful condition characterized by pain and stiffness. In frozen shoulder, the capsule of the joint gets inflamed, leading to pain that limits shoulder movement and thereby affects shoulder functions. There are three stages of frozen shoulder, and the symptoms differ according to the stage. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of a frozen shoulder. The Spencer technique is a seven-step technique that is used to treat shoulder movement restrictions. In this case report, we present the case of a 57-year-old male shopkeeper by occupation with a right frozen shoulder with complaints of pain and stiffness around the shoulder region and reduced range of motion (ROM) for more than six weeks. Physiotherapy rehabilitation was given to the patient using Spencer’s technique along with standard management for three weeks. Significant improvement in range of motion, decrease in pain, and functional disability, i.e., shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), were seen post-rehabilitation and were sustained when evaluated at the end of the second, third, and sixth months.

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

“…Reduced pain and improved shoulder movement facilitated the positive impact on the patient's shoulder function, which has been demonstrated in this study with a reduced SPADI score post-intervention and also in follow-up assessments. Initially, the Spencer technique was used in the rehabilitation of a patient with an FS, and the patient experienced favorable outcomes as a result of undergoing rehabilitation using the Spencer technique, which prompted the researchers to undertake a pilot study to investigate further and potentially validate the effectiveness of this technique in a broader context [22].…”