Abstract
A patient with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 12 sessions in an 8-week period at an outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, bubble inclinometry, manual muscle testing, observation, palpation, special testing and used validated outcome measures including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and the Patient Specific Functional Scale. A plan of care was established to address local shoulder pain, shoulder/thoracic spine ROM deficits, and shoulder/scapular muscle weakness leading to inability to perform household chores or computer work duties. The main goals for the patient were to decrease right shoulder pain and increase function so the patient could return to her participation goals of playing with her grandchildren and swimming in the pool/lake with her family. The main interventions used were manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education on proper sitting ergonomics, background on the pathology of SAPS, and how it can be treated. The patient responded well to the previously stated interventions, restoring full ROM, increasing strength, decreasing local shoulder pain levels and ultimately achieving her participation goals set on her first day of PT. The patient was discharged to live independently at home with her husband.