Comparison of the Effect of Codman Exercises and Scapular Rhythm on Pain and External Rotation of Shoulder in Women with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

Introduction: Frozen shoulder syndrome (FSS) is a common shoulder disease that causes pain and has progressive loss of shoulder motion. Codman's pendulum exercises are commonly prescribed after a shoulder injury to provide early joint mobilization, increase the flow of nutrients into the joint space, and decrease pain. This study aimed to compare the effect of Cadman's exercises and scapular rhythm on pain and external rotation of the shoulder in women with FSS. Material & Methods: This quasi-experimental study purposefully selected 30 women with FSS with an age range of 40 to 60 years. They were then randomly divided into two equal groups to perform Cadman's and scapular rhythm exercises. Both groups performed their exercises for eight weeks, three sessions per week (30-40 min per session). The nature of Cadman's exercises was pendulum and aimed at creating initial mobility in the glenohumeral joint. The scapular rhythm exercises aimed at affecting the balance of the scapular muscles and scapulohumeral rhythm. Before and after the training intervention, the amount of shoulder pain and the range of external rotation of the shoulder were assessed using the visual analog scale and a goniometer. (Ethic code: IR.SSRC.REC.1400.029) Findings: The results related to the pain variable showed a significant difference between the two training programs; accordingly, the scapular rhythm program was better in reducing pain than the Cadman's exercises (P=0.001). Furthermore, the motion range of the external rotation of the glenohumeral joint in the scapular rhythm program was shown to be better than that in Cadman's exercises (P=0.006). Discussion & Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of both training programs, it can be said that the scapular rhythm training program has been better in improving the pain and motion range of the external shoulder rotation of women with FSS, and it is suggested that these exercises be included in the treatment process of these patients.