The Effect of Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques on Pain and Functionality in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques applied in addition to exercise therapy in patients with Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), functionality, scapular dyskinesis, active trigger points and emotional state.

32 patients between the ages of 20-60 diagnosed with SIS were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The exercise group received an exercise program of 12 sessions. Scapular PNF techniques were applied to the PNF group with the same exercise program. Patients were evaluated twice; one before and one after 6 weeks of treatment; using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, algometer for PPT, digital goniometer for range of motion (ROM), The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) for functional status, lateral scapular slide test (LSST) for scapular dyskinesis, Travell and Simons criteria for trigger point and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for emotional state. At the end of treatment patient satisfaction was evaluated with Global Change Scale.