Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Disability in Patients with Diabetic Adhesive Capsulitis

Abstract

Background: Worldwide attention for diabetic adhesive capsulitis is due to its growing negative impact either economic or reported  physical dysfunction. Potential evidence regarding reflexology as an alternative therapy, and well-known manipulation with movement  for their therapeutic benefits on diabetic adhesive capsulitis.

Purpose: To distinguish effect of reflexology on disability and pain in diabetic adhesive capsulitis patients.

Patients and Method: Fifty diabetic participants with adhesive capsulitis from Out-patient Clinic of Physical Therapy in Al-Kasr Al-Ainy  Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, with age ranged 45-60 years old; were randomly divided into equal two groups; Group A received foot reflexology,  and mobilization with movement, three session/week for four weeks; and Group B received mobilization with movement, only three  session/week for four weeks. Baseline evaluation involving shoulder mobility using smartphone inclinometer and shoulder pain and  disability using shoulder pain and disability index, as well as shoulder muscular strength using hand-held dynamometer.

Result: No  significant difference was revealed at baseline analysis. Both groups had revealed a significant raise in shoulder mobility posttreatment  with favor for group A, also a significant decrease in shoulder pain and disability post treatment was found with no superiority for any  group. While there were significant differences in shoulder rotators strength of group A post treatment.

Conclusion: Foot reflexology  and mobilization with movement are effective with favor for foot reflexology in terms of shoulder mobility and muscular strength.  Therefore, foot reflexology could be recommended in diabetic adhesive capsulitis management.