Desai N.1,2, Khatri S.3
1Uka Tarsadia University, Shrimad Rajchandra College of Physiotherapy, Bardoli, India, 2Shree Sardar Smarak Hospital, Orthopaedic, Bardoli, India, 3Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Loni, India
Background: Cervical radiculopathy can lead to significant functional limitation and disability due to radicular pain in upper extremity. Optimal treatment strategies for the management of patients with cervical radiculopathy are elusive. Effectiveness of a passive scapular repositioning is still unveiled for the management of cervical radiculopathy.
Purpose: The purpose of this preliminary study was to study the immediate effect of a passive scapular repositioning technique on pain intensity and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Methods: Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy was made on the patients meeting three out of four criteria in the diagnostic test currently used. In the present controlled assessor blinded randomized trial, 27 cervical radiculopathy patients were assigned in two groups: study and control group. Study group (N=13, mean age 47.23±9.1 years) received passive scapular repositioning with painful and/or restricted active cervical movements followed by conventional physiotherapy treatment. Control group (N=14, mean age 48.6±7.36 years) received only conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures used in this study were Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and PPT. All outcome measures were taken before and immediately after the treatment.
Results: Immediately patients demonstrated significant improvement in terms of intensity of pain and PPT in both groups. Post treatment study group demonstrated significant decrease in pain intensity (P .01) when compared to control group. PPT increased significantly by 37.1% in study group.
Conclusion(s): The application of passive scapular repositioning combined with active cervical movements and conventional physiotherapy treatment produced an immediate hypoalgesic effect in patients with cervical radiculopathy. These results provide encouragement for a larger clinical trial to corroborate these observations.
Implications: Passive scapular repositioning with active cervical movements should be incorporated in treatment program for patients with cervical radiculopathy. Patients responding to passive scapular repositioning are suitable for interventions addressing the cervicoscapular muscle system, such as strengthening and taping.
Funding acknowledgements: Uka Tarsadia University, Gopal Vidyanagar, Bardoli Mahuva Road, Tarsadi, Dist: Surat - 394 350, Gujarat (India).
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Ethics approval: Human Ethics Committee, Maliba Pharmacy College, UTU, Bardoli, Gujarat.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
