Abstract
A 48-year-old female patient who presented with a 5-month history of left shoulder and proximal arm pain with glenohumeral joint restrictions was seen in an outpatient physical therapy clinic for a total of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, goniometry, manual muscle testing, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. A plan of care was established to address pain, joint restrictions, strength, functional activities of daily living, and work duties. Main goals for the patient were to decrease pain, improve range of motion and strength, and return to functional activities with modifications at home and at work. Main interventions used were joint mobilization techniques, stretching, progressive strengthening, patient education, and a home exercise program. The patient demonstrated improvements in shoulder pain level, range of motion, strength, and functional activities 6 weeks following initial evaluation. Goals set at initial evaluation were partially met, warranting a recommendation of further physical therapy services. The patient received an updated home exercise program and extended physical therapy services for 12 more sessions under the care of the supervising licensed physical therapist.