Abstract
A 32-year-old male patient presenting with right rotator cuff partial tear was seen for 12 physical therapy treatment sessions, over 6 weeks, at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Evaluation and 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 goniometry, manual muscle testing (MMT), observation, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). A plan of care was established to address right shoulder range of motion limitations, strength deficits, and improve activities of daily living. Main goals for the patient were decreased pain, improved strength and range of motion, return to playing sports, and return to full-time work duties. The patient’s severity and irritability levels guided the intensity and treatment type. Main interventions included manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to help restore right upper extremity function. The patient responded well to treatment and demonstrated improvements in, strength, range of motion, motor control, return to sports, and return to full-term work duties. The patient was discharged to his home with an individualized home exercise program.