Abstract
A 35-year-old female patient with a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear was seen for physical therapy treatment for 18 sessions over a period of 10 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 Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). A plan of care was established to address right shoulder pain, decreased shoulder range of motion, strength deficits, limitations in functional ability, and restrictions with work. The primary goals for the patient were decreased pain, improved strength, improved range of motion, improved upper extremity function, and return to unrestricted full-time work duties. The primary interventions were manual therapy, modalities, task-specific training, neuromuscular reeducation, and therapeutic exercise. The patient achieved the following goals: decreased pain, increased strength, increased range of motion, improved upper extremity function, and returned to unrestricted full-time work duties. The patient was discharged to continue living independently at home and was provided an individualized home exercise program.