Application of Manual Therapy in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Adhesive capsulitis, a major contributor to musculoskeletal pain, predominantly affects the shoulder and is often associated with rotator cuff injuries. Manual therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for this condition, addressing limitations in range of motion, joint mechanical alterations, contractures and adhesions in the capsules or ligaments, and misalignment of bone surfaces. This study aimed to review the literature on the effects of manual therapy on adhesive capsulitis. Databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, and PEDro were consulted, using keywords like tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, and manual therapy, resulting in the identification of 180 articles. After applying exclusion criteria, 20 articles were selected, covering the period from October 2019 to March 2020. While cryotherapy and electrotherapy demonstrated effectiveness in treatment, manual therapy stood out for pain control, increased tissue flexibility, and improved range of motion. Techniques such as the McKenzie method, myofascial release, and low-amplitude, high-velocity joint manipulation were frequently mentioned. In summary, despite the lack of a consensus on the best protocol, physiotherapy, with its manual techniques, plays a pivotal role in the functional recovery of the complex shoulder joint.