Effects of Thoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Range of Motion

Effects of Thoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Range of Motion

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of thoracic spine joint manipulation versus a sham intervention on active and passive shoulder flexion (elevation), external rotation, and internal rotation range of motion.

Many individuals who have a primary complaint of shoulder pain often demonstrate deficits in glenohumeral and scapulothoracic mobility. Typically individuals will have limitations in shoulder range of motion, specifically, flexion (elevation) as well as external and internal rotation. Although the glenohumeral joint is the primary joint for shoulder motion adjacent joints such as the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic, and thoracic spine also contribute to maximal shoulder motion. Limited shoulder motion may be a result of joint hypomobility, muscle inhibition, or pain. Typically interventions such as stretching and joint mobilization/manipulation are directed at the glenohumeral joint to improve shoulder motion, but little is known about interventions targeting adjacent sites which may also improve shoulder range of motion. This study will evaluate the effect of thoracic spine joint manipulation on active and passive shoulder range of motion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults 19-45 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are pregnant
• History of cervical or thoracic surgery
• Bone or joint disease
• Current infection or tumor
• Osteopenia/osteoporosis
• Spinal fracture
• Rheumatologic pathologies