Patients with frozen shoulder experiences pain, affected external rotation and abduction, which leads to functional disability of the affected shoulder. Currently, there has been growing interest in managing the frozen symptoms with mobilization, which is a well-accepted non-pharmacological treatment. However, research on the effects of mobilization strategies such as High Grade Mobilization (HGMT) and Low Grade Mobilization (LGMT) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional impairment has been unclear.

Aim: Compare the outcomes of two types of mobilization strategies: HGMT and LGMT on pain, range of motion & functional disability in unilateral frozen shoulder.

Methodology: This comparative study comprises 34 unilateral frozen shoulder cases from the age span of 40 to 60 years, regardless of gender. This study covered cases with unilateral involvement and a 50% reduction in passive mobility of the shoulder joint comparative to the non-affected side, in one or more of three movement directions. HGMT groups consist of 17 cases (50%) and they received intensive passive mobilization techniques in end-range positions of the joint (grade 3 and 4 of Maitland’s classification). LGMT group includes the remaining (50%) cases and they were treated with passive mobilization techniques within the pain-free zone (grade 1 and 2). The treatment session was given for four weeks (20 sessions) in both groups. Pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of motion (ROM) and functional disability using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were the outcome measures.

Results: Age of the 34 participants ranged from 45 to 60 years with mean 52.4 + 5.2 years and the majority was females (52.9%). Age as well as gender was homogeneous (p > 0.05) according to the groups: HGMT and LGMT. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the baseline measurements of functional disability, pain, flexion, abduction, as well as external rotation according to gender as well as groups. There was an improvement (p < 0.05) in functional disability, pain, flexion, abduction, and external rotation for entire comparisons (Baseline to 1^st 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th week; 1^st week to 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th week; 2^nd week to 3^rd & 4^th week; 3^rd week & 4^th week) within HGMT group. Among LGMT group, the improvement (p < 0.05) was found in functional disability, pain, flexion, and abduction for entire comparisons. The external rotation for the comparisons: Baseline to 1^st 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th week; as well as 1^st week to 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th week exhibited an improvement among LGMT group. Age was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with flexion. The functional disability was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with pain during baseline within HGMT, LGMT as well as irrespective of groups. Also, flexion was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with abduction irrespective of groups.