Management of subacromial impingement syndrome-a combination approach using manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in the treatment of shoulder impingement

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this case study was to compare the effectiveness of traditional physical therapy interventions combined with mobilization with movement in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome. A total of 5 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were selected from the hospital. Patients then participated in the programs, which were held twice a week for two months. Main outcome measures included 24-hour pain [VAS], shoulder active range of motion [AROM], and shoulder function [SPADI]. Repeated-measures analyses indicated significant decreases in pain, improved function, and increases in AROM. The MWM had a higher percentage of change from pre- to post-treatment on pain measures pain [VAS] 0.6 to 0.2 following 4 session treatment, higher percentage of change on the SPADI and in AROM. This study suggests that performing glenohumeral mobilizations and MWM in combination with a supervised exercise program may result in a greater decrease in pain and improved function although studies with larger samples and discriminate sampling methods are needed