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Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
An International Journal of Physical Therapy
Volume 32, 2016 - Issue 2
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Case Report

Effect of sternoclavicular joint mobilization on pain and function in a patient with massive supraspinatus tear

, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, , PT, DPT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT & , PT, PhD, ATC, FAAOMPT
Pages 153-158 | Received 02 Dec 2014, Accepted 08 Jun 2015, Published online: 10 Feb 2016
 

ABSTRACT

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can be difficult to treat conservatively, especially when the patient has multiple comorbidities. Although there is evidence to support interventions aimed at the spine, there is paucity in the literature describing interventions to the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) in individuals with rotator cuff pathology. A 57-year-old female with multiple comorbidities and a body mass index of 59 was referred to physical therapy with a 4-month history of right shoulder pain, significant functional limitations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), demonstrating a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. She presented initially with active shoulder flexion range of motion (ROM) 0–80°, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) 7/10, and QuickDASH 65.9%. After six physical therapy sessions, the patient had plateaued with improvements in pain and ROM. SCJ mobilizations at visit 7 immediately improved pain, active ROM, and subjective reports of function. The patient was discharged after 13 visits with increased active shoulder flexion ROM to 0–170°, NPRS 1/10, QuickDASH 31.8%, and Global Rating of Change (GROC) +5. This case highlights the successful conservative treatment of an individual with an irreparable rotator cuff tear and numerous comorbidities by using a multimodal approach including SCJ mobilizations.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

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