Comparison of Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques for improving shoulder pain and range of motion in frozen shoulders

[Purpose] This study compared the use of the Maitland mobilization and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques for improving pain and range of motion in patients with frozen shoulders. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 patients with frozen shoulder who visited Hospital H, Ulsan, Korea. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups to receive Maitland or Kaltenborn mobilization to the affected shoulder. Grade III anteroposterior oscillation and posterior translation were used for the Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization groups, respectively. Pain and range of motion of external and internal rotation were evaluated pre- and post-intervention in both groups. Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-intervention results in both groups, and independent t-tests were used to compare groups. [Results] Both groups exhibited significant decreases in pain post-intervention. Moreover, the range of motion of internal and external rotation increased significantly post-intervention in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between groups with respect to pain improvement or range of motion. [Conclusion] The posterior Maitland and Kaltenborn mobilization techniques are effective for improving pain and range of motion in frozen shoulder patients. Therefore, we recommend both techniques for such patients.