Correlation between Pain and Functional Disability in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder movement, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, the correlation between pain levels and functional disability remains inadequately explored, with a need for focused research to inform clinical practices. Objective: To investigate the correlation between pain intensity and functional disability in patients with adhesive capsulitis and assess demographic characteristics to inform better management strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis at various medical institutions in Lahore from July 2022 to January 2023. Participants aged 31-70 years were included. The study employed non-probability convenience sampling for data collection, with pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and functional disability assessed through the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, focusing on Pearson correlation coefficients to determine the relationship between pain and disability. Results: The majority of patients were females (68.3%), with a significant representation in the 41-50 year age group (31.7%). The mean pain intensity was 5.97 (SD = 0.88), and the mean SPADI score was 73.12 (SD = 10.37), indicating moderate to high levels of pain and disability. A strong positive correlation was observed between pain intensity and functional disability (Pearson correlation = 0.81, p < 0.001), suggesting a direct relationship between the severity of pain and the extent of functional impairment. Conclusion: The study confirmed a significant positive correlation between pain and functional disability in patients with adhesive capsulitis, highlighting the impact of this condition on the affected population's functional capabilities. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive management strategies that address both pain and functional limitations to improve overall patient outcomes.