Abstract
A 32 year-old female patient with nonspecific neck pain, cervicogenic headache, and possible cervical radiculopathy was seen for physical therapy treatment for 10 sessions at an outpatient clinic. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Manual Muscle Testing, Universal Goniometry, Segmental Mobility Testing of the Spine, Cervical Flexion Rotation Test, Light Touch Sensation Test, Myotome Testing, and Visual Postural and Kinematic Assessment, and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the patient was to reduce intensity and frequency of pain, improve cervical range of motion, improve strength of the scapulothoracic stabilizers, improve strength of glenohumeral movers, improve scapular kinematics, demonstrate appropriate posture, improve ability to tolerate driving and sitting positions, improve quality of life, and return to gym routine. Main interventions utilized were manual therapy, muscle stretching, muscle strengthening, neuromuscular training, postural training, task-specific training, and patient education. The patient improved in strength, motor control, posture, pain intensity, and range of motion, reported improvements in quality of life, and demonstrated ability to return to weight lifting routine. The patient was discharged to home with a home exercise program.