Effect of Hold Relax Technique and Active Release Technique in Post Immobilization Shoulder Stiffness in Patients of Coastal Life

Abstract

Background: Shoulder tightness in individuals living on the coast can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as trauma, joint disorders, or overuse. Treatment options appear to include physiotherapy, medication, and, in severe situations, surgery. Shoulder stiffness after immobilisation is a major cause of functional disability following shoulder injuries. A stiff shoulder makes it difficult for patients to position their hand in space for appropriate upper-extremity use. The study's goal was to compare the hold-relax technique versus the active release technique (ART) in patients with post-immobilization shoulder stiffness. Methodology: For this study, 20 patients diagnosed with post-immobilization shoulder stiffness from the MGMCRI orthopaedic department were selected as subjects. Following the selection process, the participants were divided into two groups: group A (Hold Relax Technique) and group B (Active Release Technique) through the odd-even method. The Hold Relax Technique group was given for 3 days, 1 session per day, for a duration of 20 minutes. The active release technique was given for 3 days, 1 session per day, for a duration of 20 minutes. Both techniques were given for a period of six weeks, so in total there was 18 sessions for each technique. The study's outcome measures were pain and range of motion. To collect data for this investigation, the goniometer and the NPRS were employed as measurement equipment. The comparative investigation between groups A and B reveals a significant difference in pain efficacy, abduction, and external rotation with a P value of 0.0001. Conclusion: The active release technique, as a novel paraprofessional approach, outperformed the hold-relax technique in terms of pain, abduction range of motion, and external rotation range of motion in coastal patients with post-immobilization shoulder stiffness.