Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a progressive shoulder condition characterized by pain and restricted mobility, with a higher prevalence and slower recovery in individuals with diabetes. This case study investigated the effect of the Spencer Muscle Energy Technique (SMET) on pain and shoulder range of motion (ROM) in a patient with diabetic adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: A 44-year-old female with diabetic adhesive capsulitis underwent a four-week physiotherapy program incorporating SMET with conventional treatments. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and goniometric ROM assessment.

Results: Following intervention, significant improvements were observed across all measures. Pain reduced from 6/10 to 1/10 on NPRS. SPADI improved from 80% to 49%, indicating enhanced functional capacity. Notable gains were observed in shoulder ROM, particularly external rotation (15° to 50°), flexion (145° to 180°), abduction (147° to 177°), and internal rotation (45° to 90°). Muscle strength improved across all muscle groups, with external rotators improving from Grade 2-/5 to 4-/5.