Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Adhesive capsuli-tis is a common health concern affecting shoul-der mobility, which targets around 5% of popu-lations worldwide, consequently affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to as-certain the effects of combining suprascapular nerve block and low-power laser therapy on pain intensity, mobility, disability, and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between Decem-ber 2021 and June 2022, 60 patients with adhe-sive capsulitis were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated into three groups, 20 each. The first group was employed for laser ther-apy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT group). The second group was employed for nerve block one time (NB group). The third group was recruit-ed for nerve block intervention one time in ad-dition to laser therapy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT+NB group). VAS, SPADI, SF-36, and shoulder range of motion were assessed pre -and post-8-week intervention.RESULTS: Of 60 patients that started the study, 55 patients have completed the study program. No significant differences were no-ticed between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups before intervention (VAS at rest, p = 0.818, VAS at mo-tion, p = 0.878, SPADI, p = 0.919, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.731, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.936, shoulder flexion, p = 0.441, shoulder abduction, p = 0.722, shoul-der internal rotation, p = 0.396, and shoulder ex-ternal rotation, p = 0.263). However, noteworthy differences were identified between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups (VAS at rest, p < 0.001, VAS at mo-tion, p < 0.001, SPADI, p = 0.011, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.033, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.007, shoulder flexion, p < 0.001, shoulder abduction, p < 0.001, shoul-der internal rotation, p < 0.001, and shoulder ex-ternal rotation, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment modalities whether low-power laser therapy or suprascap-ular nerve block have beneficial effects in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. The combina-tion of both interventional modalities has ben-eficial effects in the treatment of adhesive cap-sulitis more than laser therapy or suprascapu-lar nerve block alone. Accordingly, this combi-nation should be recommended in pain manage-ment of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly adhesive capsulitis.