ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose: Although the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in various neuro-musculoskeletal conditions is well documented but there is hardly any study about TENS and active movement combination therapy in frozen shoulder. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of TENS along with active movements in a patient with a frozen shoulder who had pain and mobility issues in the left shoulder for more than 6 months.
Case Description: The patient, a 52-year-old male, was referred to orthopedic physiotherapy OPD with a left frozen shoulder for the last six months with associated co-morbidity in form of type 2 diabetes for 18 years. His complaint was pain and stiffness in his left shoulder that affected his activities of daily living including sleep and his constant shoulder score was 47.
Outcomes: After intervention which included the application of LF TENS (Low-frequency Trans cutaneous Electrical nerve Stimulation) for 20 minutes with a portable TENS machine and then active movements along with TENS. Participant’s pain on active movement got reduced to 1/10 on the NPRS scale and he felt comfortable in doing movements and the range of active flexion elevation increased by 15 degrees. After one week the constant shoulder score was 45.
Discussion: This case report outlines the novel use of TENS along with active movements in the treatment of the frozen shoulder.
Conclusion: Pain-free active flexion elevation appears to demonstrate an immediate improvement in range. The results warrant further research and exploration in clinical applicability.
KEYWORDS: Frozen shoulder, TENS, Combination therapy, case report, rehabilitation