Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release techniques in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release technique in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, quality of life, functionality and disability.

Methods: Thirty patients were randomly divided into two groups: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group (n = 15) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with myofascial release technique group (n = 15). Both treatment methods were performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain severity was assessed by Visuel Analog Scale, range of motion by a goniometer, muscle strength by digital hand dynamometer, quality of life by Nottingham health profile, functionality by arm, shoulder and hand problems questionnaire, disability by shoulder pain and disability index. All measurements were used before and after treatments. Pain severity, range of motion and muscle strength were also evaluated after the first session.

Results: After the treatment, shoulder pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functionality and disability were improved in two groups (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation showed improvement in pain, whereas myofascial release technique improved pain, physical activity, emotional state, sleep and total dimensions of life quality (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was more effective in reducing activity pain, whereas myofascial release technique was more effective in increasing flexion, external and internal rotation range of motion, flexion and abduction muscle strength after the first session (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The combined application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release technique has a more acute and cumulative positive effect on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functionality, disability and quality of life in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.