Abstract
An adult patient with a medical diagnosis of cervicalgia, was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 15 sessions over a 10-week period at an outpatient orthopedic clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the numeric pain rating scale, universal goniometry, manual muscle testing, deep neck flexor endurance test, visual assessment of movement and posture, and segmental mobility assessment of the cervical spine. The Patient Specific Function Scale, and Neck Disability Index were used as patient reported outcome measures. A plan of care was established to address loss of cervical range of motion, reduced strength and endurance of neck musculature which had limited the patient’s ability to drive, get out of bed, drink water from a cup, and participate in trail running. The goals for the patient were to improve function and reduce pain. Main interventions included manual therapy and strength and endurance exercises. The patient responded well to treatment and was able to return to road running, driving, and getting out of bed with minor limitations. The patient was discharged to home with a home exercise program.