Comparison of conventional therapy and mulligan mobilization with movement technique in the treatment of shoulder problems: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) and Conservative treatment (CT) in improving pain, AROM, and functional activities on shoulder pathology. Methods: A prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted between June and October 2022. Forty one participants were randomly assigned to the CT + MWM (n=19) or CT-only group (n=22). Conventional therapy was applied to the CT group but The MWM technique was performed with 3 sets of 10 repetitions MWM group. All training sessions was applied five a week for 6 weeks in both groups (in total 30 sessions) by the same physiotherapist. The pain was evaluated with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, AROM with the Universal goniometer, and functionality with the Patient Specific Functional Scale. Results: In both groups, shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), and AROM angles increased (p<0.05), shoulder pain decreased (p<0.05), and functionality increased (p<0.05). Although there is no statistically significant difference between the groups, the MWM technique applied in addition to CT is more effective in symptoms such as limitation of AROM, pain, and functionality. Conclusion: MWM may be an effective manual therapy method on reducing of pain, increasing AROM, and improving functional status in patients with shoulder problems. Additionally, MWM technique applied in addition to CT may increase the success of the treatment.