Effects of Gong’s Mobilization vs Reverse Distraction Technique in Diabetic Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jt2wrr15Keywords:
adhesive capsulitis, diabetes mellitus, Gong’s mobilization, reverse distraction, shoulder mobilization, range of motion, functional disabilityAbstract
Background: Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a painful and debilitating musculoskeletal condition that disproportionately affects individuals with type II diabetes mellitus. The condition severely restricts shoulder range of motion (ROM), limits daily function, and is often more resistant to conservative treatment in diabetic patients due to capsular fibrosis and metabolic changes. Manual therapy techniques such as Gong’s mobilization and reverse distraction have shown promise, but comparative data in diabetic populations are scarce. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Gong’s mobilization versus reverse distraction technique on pain, ROM, and functional disability in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis after four weeks of intervention. Methods: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 20 diabetic patients with unilateral stage 2–3 adhesive capsulitis. Participants were randomly allocated to either Group A (Gong’s mobilization + conventional physical therapy) or Group B (reverse distraction + conventional therapy). Outcome measures included the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and goniometric assessment of shoulder ROM. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all outcomes (p<0.05). However, Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvements in SPADI, NPRS, and all ROM parameters (p<0.001). Effect sizes were large for all measures in favor of Gong’s mobilization. Conclusion: While both interventions were effective, Gong’s mobilization was superior to reverse distraction in reducing pain, improving shoulder ROM, and minimizing functional disability in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis. Keywords: adhesive capsulitis, diabetes mellitus, Gong’s mobilization, reverse distraction, shoulder mobilization, range of motion, functional disability.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Summaya Maham Minhas, Rubab Naqvi, Nayab Asif, Rahat Fatima, Maria Umar, Arooj, Aqsa Majeed (Author)
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