Evaluation of intensive rehabilitation under continuous suprascapular nerve blockade for the treatment of refractory adhesive shoulder capsulitis: case series

Objective: Treatment of refractory adhesive shoulder capsulitis is a challenge. This observational retrospective study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of intensive physiotherapy protocol under a continuous peripheral blockade of the suprascapular nerve (cSSNB).
Methods: We reviewed 29 medical records of patients suffering from adhesive capsulitis and treated with intensive physiotherapy under cSSNB during 10 days. The “disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand” outcome questionnaire (DASH score) and shoulder movements were recorded at the beginning, 10 days after local anesthetic infusion and three months after.
Results: Twenty-six patients significant improved shoulder movements after 10 days of treatment. Sixteen patients were followed completely until 3 months after rehabilitation program. Range of four shoulder motion compatible with a normal daily life was acquired in nine patients at three months. There is no significant difference in shoulder motion between the end of LA infusion and at three months. At the end of infusion, DASH score is significantly decreased to 59.3 (n=26), and persists three months 42.1 (n=16). At three months, 33% of the initial population objectively reach the 4 goals, compatible with a correct quality of life.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation under cSSNB is associated with a significant long term improvement in shoulder motion and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Randomized controlled trials will be necessary to demonstrate our encouraging results.