Case Reviews
Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy and Joint Mobilizations for Restoring Motion in a Patient with Adhesive Capsulitis

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care  Vol. 2   No. 1   January/February 2010

By David O. Draper, EdD, ATC, FNATA; Matt Gage, PhD, ATC

ABSTRACT

A 53-year-old patient presented with adhesive capsulitis following rotator cuff surgery and follow-up manipulation. Prior to joint mobilizations, pulsed shortwave diathermy was used to heat the tissues. After 6 treatments, range of motion was restored to normal or near normal. The patient has maintained range of motion 2 years after treatment.

AUTHORS

Dr Draper is from the Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; and Dr Gage is from the Department of Athletic Training, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.

Originally submitted April 14, 2009.

Accepted for publication September 9, 2009.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to David Draper, EdD, ATC, FNATA, Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, RB 120-C, Provo, UT 84057; e-mail: david_draper@byu.edu.

doi:10.3928/19425864-20101222-06