Chronic Shoulder Pain

Case Description: Pt. is a 66 y/o female with a ~1 yr hx of progressing L shoulder/elbow pain to the point where she was having difficulty dressing or doing any reaching tasks and had to stop taking care of her 9 month old granddaughter because she could no longer pick her up.  She had recently received a L elbow injection, but it had provided little relief.  She was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with her body and function.    

Outcomes: The patient was seen for 14 visits over a 12 wk period.

Tests and Measures	Initial Evaluation	Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy
VAS for Pain	8/10	0/10
QuickDASH Scale	43 % disability	4.5% disability
L shoulder ROM	Painful arc of motion from 80-110 deg on L.  Painful end ROM all planes of motion	Consistent with the uninvolved side and pain free
L Shoulder / Grip Strength	3+/5 for FLEX/ABD on L and painful with testing.  Grip strength non-functional	L shoulder strength at least 4+/5 (consistent with R).  Grip strength 65+ lbs with ease
Daily Tasks	Avoiding lifting, carrying, and reaching with L, sleep interrupted, unable to pick up her infant granddaughter	Performing all daily tasks with ease and swimming regularly.  Back to caring for her granddaughter without issue

Patient Comments at Discharge: “When I first came in I could barely use my left shoulder.  I was in constant pain. Now I am pain free and have full mobility…Very organized clinic.  Physical therapists were always on time and efficient.  All staff are quite warm and friendly”

Sincerely,

Luke Vander Zouwen, DPT
Full Potential Physical Therapy