Mulligan and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Lesions

This study aims to compare the effects of Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques on pain, functionality, proprioception, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff lesions. A total of 45 participants aged 30-70 years with partial supraspinatus tears confirmed by clinical and radiological assessment will be randomly assigned to three groups: conventional physiotherapy, Mulligan + conventional physiotherapy, and PNF + conventional physiotherapy. All groups will receive a standardized three-week physiotherapy program, while the Mulligan and PNF groups will additionally undergo their respective manual therapy interventions. Outcome measures will include pain intensity (VAS), shoulder range of motion, functional disability (DASH), joint position sense, and rotator cuff-specific quality of life (RC-QoL). The study seeks to determine which manual therapy approach (Mulligan or PNF) provides superior improvements in clinical outcomes compared with conventional treatment alone.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female participants between 30 and 70 years of age. * A diagnosis of partial supraspinatus tear made by a physical medicine and rehabilitation s-specialist. * Confirmation of the diagnosis through radiological imaging methods. * No history of any shoulder surgery. * Shoulder symptoms persisting for more than 4 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are unable to cooperate or who have mental health problems. * Individuals who have participated in any shoulder-related physiotherapy program within the last 3 months. * Individuals with other musculoskeletal conditions that may affect the shoulder region.