Abstract
A patient with a suspected superior labral anterior to posterior tear of the left glenohumeral joint was seen for physical therapy treatment for seven sessions from 04/16/15 to 05/07/15 at the orthopedic pro bono clinic located at California State University, Sacramento. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with an upper quarter musculoskeletal examination which included the crank test, jerk test, Jobe Relocation test, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and Neck Disability Index, and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the patient were to improve scapular musculature strength, glenohumeral range of motion, muscle length of the levator scapula, motor control of the scapula, pain control, cervicothoracic joint dysfunction, and posture in order to improve standing tolerance, lifting items overhead, and gym tolerance. Main interventions utilized over the course of treatment included manual therapy to the cervicothoracic spine, strengthening exercises, flexibility tasks, motor control exercises, and postural education. The patient was discharged with a home exercise program that addressed specific impairments including decreased range of motion, decreased muscle length, scapular muscle weakness, cervicothoracic dysfunction, and postural deficits in order to improve the patient’s activity limitations and participation restrictions.