Effect of the Spencer Technique on Glenohumeral Joint Range of Motion: A Comparative Analysis of Athletes Versus Non-athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The Spencer technique of the shoulder is an osteopathic manipulative technique used to treat somatic dysfunction and improve glenohumeral range of motion. Current literature aims to examine the efficacy of the Spencer technique of the shoulder, but falls short in investigating the technique's usefulness in patient populations with varying levels of physical activity and joint usage. This study examines the Spencer technique's impact on the shoulder range of motion in recreational pickleball players compared to non-pickleball players. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the effects of the Spencer technique on the shoulder in recreational pickleball players versus non-pickleball players. METHODS: Fifty-four participants were recruited and divided into four groups: pickleball players with Spencer treatment (n=12), pickleball players with no Spencer treatment (n=12), non-pickleball players with Spencer treatment (n=15), and non-pickleball players with no Spencer treatment (n=15). The Spencer treatment groups were treated twice per week for two weeks, and the pickleball playing groups participated in recreational pickleball sessions twice per week for two weeks. Measurements of shoulder range of motion in flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, and adduction were taken at study onset and two weeks later upon study completion. The average change in range of motion from baseline for all four groups was determined, and two-factor analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with post-hoc two-sample, two-tailed t-tests were used to investigate individual and combined effects as well as differences amongst the groups in each plane of motion. RESULTS: Of the initial 54 participants enrolled in the study, 53 successfully completed all study requirements and were included in the data analysis. Statistically significant differences were found amongst the four different groups in terms of average change in degrees of shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation over the two-week course of the study. This difference was seen when comparing the pickleball and Spencer treatment group, which experienced greater change, to the other groups in flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. No significant differences were observed amongst the four groups for shoulder adduction. CONCLUSION: This study found that Spencer treatment paired with pickleball playing produced a statistically significant greater change in range of motion from baseline for shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation compared to the other groups. No significant differences in shoulder adduction were found amongst the four groups. These findings highlight the benefit of combining Spencer treatment with recreational exercise in improving shoulder range of motion. With a more complete understanding of how Spencer treatment affects patients with varying exercise habits, osteopathic clinicians will be better positioned to deliver more personalized care and ensure optimal clinical outcomes.