Abstract
A 65-year-old female teacher presenting with adhesive capsulitis was seen for physical therapy treatment for 12 sessions over the course of 6 weeks. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist at an outpatient orthopedic clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Visual Analog Scale for pain, goniometry, manual muscle testing, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. A plan of care was established to address right shoulder pain and decreased range of motion, strength, ability to reach overhead, and write on a whiteboard. Main goals for the patient were to decrease pain and improve range of motion, strength, and function along with returning to teaching a full day of class without limitations. Main interventions utilized were manual therapy including joint mobilizations and passive range of motion, therapeutic exercise, and modalities including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ice, and heat. The patient responded well to the physical therapy interventions and showed clinically- relevant improvements in pain intensity, range of motion, strength, and function. The patient was discharged to continue living at home with a home exercise program.