A comparison of the effects of two different iontophoresis applications on pain in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of iontophoresis in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Forty-five patients participated in the study. Patients were divided equally into three groups. Group I was treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) iontophoresis and short wave diathermy (SWD); and Group II patients with sodium chloride (NaCl) iontophoresis plus SWD; and Group III with SWD alone. All patients were allowed the same exercise program. Pain at rest and during movements of the shoulder were measured before and after the treatment. The results showed that all treatments decreased pain perception and increased shoulder passive range of motion (p < 0.05). However, improvements in the treatments including iontophoresis were significantly better than with SWD alone (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the treatments in which iontophoresis was included (p > 0.05). In conclusion, iontophoresis plus SWD produced results that were better than with SWD alone in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis.