The Immediate Effects of First Rib Mobilization on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Shoulder Pain

The Immediate Effects of First Rib Mobilization on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Shoulder Pain

The purpose of this clinical trial is to examine whether one session of a specific manual physical therapy technique, known as first rib mobilization, can lead to immediate improvements in pain and movement in individuals with shoulder pain. We hypothesize that this single treatment will result in reduced pain and increased ability to move the shoulder and neck. Researchers will compare first rib mobilization to a sham mobilization (a look-alike hands-on position that does not mobilize the first rib) to see if first rib mobilization works to immediately reduce pain and improve movement in patients with shoulder pain.

Participants will receive first rib mobilization or a sham mobilization during a single session of physical therapy and will receive pre and post intervention measurements of their pain levels and neck and shoulder range of motion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and Women
• Ages 18-75 years old
• Attending physical therapy
• Primary complaint of shoulder pain
• Pain intensity >3/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
• A Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick DASH) score greater than 16% impaired

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous shoulder or neck surgery
• Clinical signs of a full rotator cuff tear (positive drop arm test)
• Having positive MRI findings of a complete rotator cuff tear
• Having a positive Spurling's test
• Having a steroid injection in the cervical spine and/or shoulder in the last two months
• Having any red flags (history of cancer, upper motor neuron disorder, fractures, osteoporosis, acute inflammatory process)
• Expressing fear/anxiety related to receiving manual therapy treatment