The Effects of Tissue Flossing on Shoulder Range of Motion and Pain in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe the tissue flossing interventions for apatient with adhesive capsulitis.Case Description: The patient was a 56-year-old female, who presented with left shoulder pain and limitedrange of motion (ROM) following a fall 9 months prior. The patient had a past medical history of thyroid.The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis was determined following radiographs, mechanism of injury, past medicalhistory, and physical therapy examination and evaluation.Intervention: The patient was seen for a total of 15 physical therapy sessions over the span of 6 weeks.Interventions included a tissue flossing, home exercise program, instruction in heat/ice use, mobilizations,therapeutic exercises, ROM, stretching, and glides. Outcome measures included ROM measurements, painratings, strength tests and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).Outcomes: Following 6 weeks of physical therapy intervention, tissue flossing and home exercise program, thepatient demonstrated increased shoulder ROM, decreased pain and improved function based on the improvedSPADI.Discussion: Rationale for treatment was based on textbook information for shoulder interventions and researcharticles. The treatment was altered based on patient’s response.Conclusion: This case report is in concordance with the current research that shows flossing, strengthening,mobilizations, a home exercise program and stretching are appropriate combinations of interventions forindividuals with adhesive capsulitis. This patient returned to his prior level of function following the abovetreatment regimen.