Abstract
A 67-year-old female patient status post right reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was seen for 18 physical therapy treatment sessions, over 6-weeks, in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. The evaluation and treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The initial examination was conducted at week 5 post-surgery. She was evaluated with goniometry, manual muscle testing (MMT), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). A plan of care was established to address right shoulder range of motion (ROM) impairments, strength deficits, and pain, as well as improving her ability to groom, dress, and perform components necessary to drive. The main goals for the patient were to improve range of motion and strength, decrease pain intensity, return to gardening, and return to work. A plan of care was established and treatment consisted of manual therapy, patient education, and therapeutic exercise. Although the patient demonstrated improvements in range of motion, strength, decreased pain intensity, and participation in gardening, she did not return to work as she was awaiting a surgical procedure and rehabilitation for her left knee. The patient was discharged to her home with an individualized home exercise program.