The Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of stellate ganglion block(SGB) in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder which was not treated with other procedures and therapeutic exercise. METHOD: Fifty patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder were assessed by the shoulder range of motion(ROM) and visual analogue scale before and in 30 minutes after the SGB without other procedures and therapeutic exercise. RESULTS: In 30 minute after the SGB, the shoulder ROM increased 11degrees in flexion, 14degrees in abduction, 8degrees in internal rotation, and 6degrees in external rotation and visual analogue scale decreased (P<0.05). The changes of shoulder ROM after the SGB were not significantly related to duration of the adhesive capsulitis of shoulder, except in flexion. CONCLUSION: The stellate ganglion block can be another effective method for the patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.