European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET) AND PASSIVE STRETCHING IN ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS AMONG POST-MASTECTOMY PATIENTS

Maryam Murtaza*, Mariam Tariq, Fazila Bashir, Iman Fatima, Rimsha Malik, Dr. Zohaib Arshad

ABSTRACT

Women undergoing mastectomy often experience shoulder pain, restricted movement, and functional limitations. Adhesive capsulitis is a common complication, characterized by stiffness and loss of motion, which negatively impacts daily living and quality of life. The present study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and passive stretching in managing adhesive capsulitis among post-mastectomy patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit women aged 40–60 years diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis from the Departments of Oncology and Physiotherapy at Allied Hospital and Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad. Participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups using the sealed envelope method. Group A received MET, while Group B received passive stretching. Both groups additionally followed a standard physiotherapy program including pendulum, pulley, wheel, and finger ladder exercises for four weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale, goniometer, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at baseline, the 2nd week, and the 4th week. Twenty participants were enrolled (10 in each group). Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain reduction, range of motion, and functional ability compared to Group B after four weeks (p < 0.05). The findings support the clinical use of MET as an effective intervention for adhesive capsulitis in post-mastectomy patients.

Keywords: Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder, Muscle Energy Technique, Mastectomy, Passive Stretching, Shoulder pain, Physiotherapy.