Title: Suprascapular Nerve Block as an Adjunct to Exercise Therapy in Periarthritis of Shoulder

Authors: Shehadad Kammili, Sreejith Kalathummarathu, P. Sreedevi Menon, George Joseph.N

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i3.54

Abstract

Background: Periarthritis of the shoulder is a fairly common clinical condition. Mobilisation exercises are the mainstay of treatment and various pain relieving modalities are also used as an adjunct to treatment. Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) is used to treat painful shoulder condition and is found to be effective in treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Suprascapular nerve block with exercise therapy and exercise therapy alone in terms of reduction in pain and improvement  in range of motion(ROM) of shoulder in patients with periarthritis of the shoulder.

Study design: Randomized controlled study conducted in a tertiary level multi specialty hospital.

Materials and Methods: 30 patients with periarthritis of shoulder was randomly allocated into a grvoup of exercise therapy and another group of exercise therapy preceded by suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Pain by VAS and shoulder ROM was assessed in both groups at 0,1,4 and 12 weeks. The parameters were assessed before and immediately after SSNB also.

Results: The SSNB group showed earlier improvement in pain and ROM thus showing a positive impact on morbidity.  The  results in both groups were comparable at 12 weeks.

Keywords: Periarthritis of shoulder, suprascapular nerve block.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Shehadad.K

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Govt. Medical College Kozhikode- 673008

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