Rotator Cuff Impingement

FROM: J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004 (Nov);   27 (9):   580–590

Pribicevic M, Pollard H


OBJECTIVE:   To present a case of shoulder impingement syndrome managed with a conservative multimodal treatment approach.

CLINICAL FEATURES:   A patient had anterior shoulder pain and a diffuse ache in the right upper arm, with tenderness in the shoulder region on palpation. Shoulder range of motion was limited with pain and catching, coupled with limited and painful cervical motion. After physical and orthopedic examination, a clinical diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome was made.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES:   The patient underwent a multimodal treatment protocol including soft tissue therapy, phonophoresis, diversified manipulation; and rotator cuff and shoulder girdle muscle exercises. Outcomes included pain measurement; range of motion of the shoulder, and return to normal daily, work, and sporting activities. At the end of the treatment protocol the patient was symptom free with all outcome measures normal. The patient was followed up at 4 and 12 weeks and continued to be symptom free with full range of motion and complete return to normal daily and pre-treatment activities.

CONCLUSION:   This case report shows the potential benefit of a multimodal chiropractic protocol in resolving symptoms associated with shoulder impingement syndrome.

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