Abstract
A patient with multiple sclerosis received 9 sessions of outpatient physical therapy to address limitations following a right rotator cuff repair. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was examined using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale-54 (MSQOL-54), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Disability of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand Scale (DASH), Manual Muscle Tests (MMT), Function Independence Measure (FIM), goniometry, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The patient’s presented with pain, impaired strength, range of motion (ROM) and sensation, ataxia and spasticity, contributing to decreased independence with functional mobility, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL). The main goals for the patient were improving strength and range of motion of the surgically repaired shoulder in order to improve the patient’s ability to perform functional tasks and increase independence with functional mobility. The main interventions used were strengthening using the overload principle, stretching, active-assisted range of motion exercises, and functional mobility training. The patient improved strength, range of motion, and functional abilities over the course of treatment. The patient was discharged to continue living at home with a home exercise program and was recommended to continue with additional outpatient physical therapy under the care of another physical therapist to increase functional independence.