The influence of joint mobilization on tendinopathy of the biceps brachii and supraspinatus muscles

The most common causes of shoulder pain are related to degeneration of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. Objective: To investigate the influence of joint mobilization by means of accessory movements of the shoulder during the early rehabilitation of 14 patients with chronic tendinopathy of the supraspinatus and/or biceps brachii muscles. Methods: Two treatment protocols were compared: application of therapeutic ultrasound over the affected tendon area and eccentric training of the musculature involved, with or without joint mobilization maneuvers. The Constant and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaires were used as the assessment method, before and after the treatment. Results: The results showed that both treatment protocols were effective for patient rehabilitation, since better functional results were obtained at the end of the treatment, in comparison with the beginning (p<0.001). The patients who underwent joint mobilization in association with therapeutic ultrasound and eccentric training achieved better mean scores in the questionnaires, There was a statistically significant difference in the final scores between the two groups, for both questionnaires (p<0.05). Conclusions: Thus, both treatment protocols were effective for treating chronic tendinopathy of the shoulder, although their use in association with joint mobilization seems to provide better functional results.