A Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Iontophoresis Using Diclofenac Sodium for Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

[Purpose] To preliminarily examine the effectiveness and safety of iontophoresis (IP) using diclofenac sodium in 2 cases of frozen shoulder. [Participants and Methods] The duration of the disorder was 3 months in Case A and 1 month in Case B. There were no marked rotator cuff tears or calcinosis in either case. Intervention was provided using IP combined with exercise therapy 3 times a week for 2 weeks; thus, a total of 6 interventional sessions here held. IP was applied to the lateral part of the acromion with severe pain. Pain was assessed by measuring Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and pressure pain threshold values, and the presence/absence of adverse reactions, such as redness, at the site of IP application was confirmed. [Results] In both cases, VAS scores and pressure pain in the lateral part of the acromion generally improved, with no adverse reactions. [Conclusion] Appropriate IP combined with exercise therapy was suggested to improve pain without involving adverse reactions.