Chronic Shoulder Pain

Case Description: Patient was a 57 y/o female who had been dealing with R shoulder pain for over 1 year.  It started without an exact known cause and as she tried to start of some exercise routines for general fitness, it flared up considerably.  She originally tried chiropractic care for several months, but had no relief.  Her shoulder pain and stiffness had become progressively worse in the months leading up to physical therapy, reporting constant diffuse aching as well as intermittent sharp deep and anterior pain with off and on painful clicking/popping.  She had a cortisone injection ~2 weeks prior to starting PT with mild reduction in symptoms. 

Outcomes: The patient was seen for 18 visits over a 4 month period.

Tests and Measures	Initial Evaluation	Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy
VAS for Pain	2-7/10	0-4/10 (mostly at 0/10)
QuickDASH Scale	48 % disability	9% disability
L shoulder AROM	Limited and painful reach overhead, limited and painful reach behind back	L shoulder range of motion restored to at least 95% of the R side in all tested positions
L shoulder Strength	Weak and painful for both resisted reach to the side and reach forward	Strong and painless in all tested positions
Daily Tasks	Painful with all reaching, modifying how she bathed/dressed due to pain, unable to participate in upper body exercise, avoiding all quick motions	Normal reaching tasks with ease, bathing/dressing without issue, returning to upper body lifting routines, able to throw a ball without pain

Patient Comments at Discharge: “When I started PT, I was unable to lift and utilize my left arm because of a shoulder injury. I was constantly in pain.  Luke’s plan and support has helped me regain strength and mobility so I’m able to get back to my daily + fitness routines.  I’m so thankful for Luke and Full Potential PT!”