A Comparative Study to Know the Effect of Diclofenac Sodium Iontophoresis and Methyl Salicylate Iontophoresis on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability among Patients with Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of diclofenac iontophoresis and methyl salicylate iontophoresis on pain, disability and range of motion among patients with frozen shoulder.   Background: Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by gradual loss of active and passive range of motion along with pain. In the past along with various conservative treatment including medicine other physical treatment, Iontophoresis using diclofenac, methyl salicylate along with active exercises has been effectively used. Literature lacks regarding the comparison of diclofenac and methyl salicylate iontophoresis along with exercise for treatment of frozen shoulder.   Methodology: The study included 45 subjects both male & female which were equally divided into three groups, 15 subjects in each group. GROUP C served as (Control group) received short wave diathermy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and exercises, this combination serves as baseline treatment. GROUP A (Experimental group) received baseline treatment along with diclofenac iontophoresis and GROUP B (Experimental group) received Methyl Salicylate iontophoresis and base treatment for 5 days a week for 2 weeks.   Result: Within groups analysis pre and post showed significant improvement in VAS, SPADI and Range of motion in all the groups. Whereas, in between group analysis showed no significant difference for VAS, SPADI & ROM except Group B (Methyl salicylate) showed significant improvement in flexion ROM in comparison to group C (Control group).   Conclusion: SWD, TENS and exercise with or without iontophoresis can be used for the improvement of pain, disability and ROM among frozen shoulder patients. Iontophoresis did not have any additional benefits.