This study aimed to explore the level of current clinical practice for managing chronic contracted frozen shoulder (CCFS) among physiotherapy professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) compared to well–established evidence-based practices, and to identify the most common therapy practiced in UAE to manage CCFS.
This study was based on a cross-sectional quantitative analysis using an adapted questionnaire. The main themes of questions were the presence of a special interest in CCFS, management options, symptoms, diagnosis, referral, and best physiotherapy intervention recommendations. The results were analyzed using simple descriptive analyses, such as frequency, mean, and percentage of total responses; additionally, thematic and content analyses were performed for open-ended questions.
Overall, 101 physiotherapy professionals participated in the survey: 62% female and 38% male; 59% were bachelors- and 36% masters-degree holders, respectively. In the closed ended question regarding the interest in CCFS, male physiotherapists (PTs) were more interested than females (82% vs. 68%). For the most common indication of CCFS, 76% of the participants selected “Limitation of movement" as the main indication. However, only 42% confirmed the presence of clinical protocols in their employment setting. In their opinion, the most effective therapies were patient education, superficial heat or cold, manual joint mobilization, and sustained stretching exercises.
The participants in the study could match their knowledge with the literature. Radiographic studies are therefore performed to exclude other secondary causes of shoulder pain. The most common symptoms of CCFS, which is a limitation of movement. The combination of physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection may provide more remarkable symptom improvement than physiotherapy alone, as suggested by the majority.
The study provides the investigation for the Diagnosis and the Management of Contracted (Frozen) Shoulder which would strengthen the Foundations of Physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates UAE Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG's). The Research also inform us about the extent to which the UAE based Physiotherapists follow these Clinical Practice Guidelines. The Efficacy of the Health Based Services also be cleared through this Research which would definitely aid to enhance the Health Care Setups of Physiotherapists in UAE.
Chronic Contracted Frozen Shoulder
clinical management
