Abstract
A patient with left subacromial impingement syndrome was seen for physical therapy evaluation and treatment for 8 sessions over an 8-week time period, at an outpatient clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. A plan of care was established to address range of motion (ROM), strength, posture, scapular dyskinesis, and functional activities for the patient. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with ROM, manual muscle tests (MMT), palpation, special tests including Hawkins-Kennedy, painful arc, resisted external rotation, and outcome measures including the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (QuickDASH). The patient’s chief complaint was pain with movements that included elevating his left upper extremity into 88˚- 125˚ flexion and abduction. Main goals for the patient were to resume normal weightlifting routine. Main interventions used were therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, task-specific training, activity modifications, and patient education. The patient achieved the following goals: improved ROM, strength, scapular kinematics, and he reported being able to return to his normal weightlifting routine. The patient was discharged to home with an independent home exercise program for maintenance of the shoulder complex.