A Combination Approach using Manual Therapy and Exercise in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Mathew Annamma1,*, Afsaneh Abedi2 1Assistant Lecturer, College of Allied Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE 2Physiotheapist, Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Ajman, UAE *Corresponding author: Mrs. Annamma Mathew, College of Allied Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University Ajman, UAE, Email: researchdivision2@gmail.com
Online published on 13 February, 2013. Abstract The purpose of this case study was to compare the effectiveness of traditional physical therapy interventions of using therapeutic modality and exercise versus a combined approach using mobilization with movement and exercises in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome. A total of 5 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were selected from the hospital. Patients then participated in the programs, which were held twice a week for two months. Main outcome measures included 24-hour pain (VAS), shoulder active range of motion (AROM), and shoulder function (SPADI). Repeated-measures analysis indicated significant decreases in pain, improved function, and increases in AROM. The MWM had a higher percentage of change from pre- to posttreatment on pain measures pain (VAS): 0.6 to 0.2 following 4 session treatment, higher percentage of change on the SPADI and in AROM. This study suggests that performing glenohumeral mobilizations with movement (MWM) in combination with a supervised exercise program may result in a greater decrease in pain and improved function although studies with larger samples and discriminate sampling methods are needed. Top Keywords Exercise, Glenohumeral Mobilization, Mobilization with Movement. Top |