Adhesive capsulitis (commonly known as frozen shoulder) is a painful disorder, where the movement of the shoulder is restricted. Having Diabetes increases your risk of developing a frozen shoulder. A study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation was carried out to clarify the effects of continuous passive motion (CPM) treatment in Diabetes mellitus patients with frozen shoulder.
Forty patients were divided in to two groups. The first (n = 21) received CPM movements while the second underwent conventional physical therapy (CPT), which involved stretching, the range of motion (ROM) and pendulum exercises. After a four week-long physical therapy program the participants were instructed to continue the same regime at home for eight weeks. The participants rated the pain they felt at night (both while at rest and in motion). There was a significant improvement in both groups.
Both CPT and CPM therapies seemed to be beneficial in treating frozen shoulder in the participants with Diabetes mellitus; however, the CPM group showed more distinct improvement in the function and pain levels. Thus, suggesting that CPM may be a better way of managing the discomfort associated with a frozen shoulder.
