Comparison of the efficacy of manual treatment according to fascial distortion model versus joint mobilization in patients with shoulder impingement: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a relatively new manual therapy approach in the field of musculoskeletal physical therapy, but to date no study has been conducted to compare its' effect in comparison with joint mobilization on patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Objective: The present study aims to compare the efficacy of the FDM versus joint mobilization in pain intensity, pain-free abduction range of motion and function of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Design: single-blind, parallel-arm randomized controlled trial.

Methods: 26 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were equally randomized into 2 groups: manual treatment according to the FDM, and joint mobilization of the shoulder complex. All patients received 3 intervention sessions every other day. Pain intensity (by visual analogue scale), pain-free abduction range of motion (by goniometry) and function (by Persian version of shoulder pain and disability index) were measured before and after every session and at follow-up 2 weeks later. Patients' satisfaction with treatment was also measured (by a 4-point Likert scale) at follow-up.

Results: FDM therapy group showed statistically significant greater pain reduction (P = 0.014) and range of motion increment (P = 0.044) than joint mobilization group after intervention, while only range of motion maintained the difference at follow-up (P = 0.034). Function improvement was not statistically different after the intervention (P = 0.582) and at follow-up (P = 0.094). There was no difference in patients' satisfaction with treatment between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The FDM is a safe and effective treatment approach with comparable results to joint mobilization in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.