The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with shoulder impingement (subacromial pain syndrome): electric dry needling and spinal manipulation versus impairment-based mobilization, exercise, and interferential electrotherapy. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat shoulder impingement (subacromial pain syndrome). This study is attempting to find out if one treatment strategy is more effective than the other.
Patients with shoulder impingement (subacromial pain syndrome) will be randomized to receive 2 treatment sessions per week for up to 6 weeks (up to 12 sessions total) of either: (1) electric dry needling and spinal manipulation or (2) impairment-based mobilization, exercise and interferential electrotherapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
145
Dry needling to the supraspinatus (proximal/distal teno-osseus junction and musculotendinous junction under acromion process), deltoid muscle, upper trapezius muscle and levator scapulae muscle on the painful side. Clinicians may also needle the terres major, infraspinatous, rhomboids and thoracic paraspinals, as needed. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.
HVLA thrust manipulation to cervical, thoracic and/or upper rib articulation (R1-R3).
Impairment-based mobilization targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.
Impairment-based exercise targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.
Interferential electrotherapy targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.
Evolution Sports Physiotherapy
Cockeysville, Maryland, United States
Change in Shoulder Pain (NPRS) (Rating Score)
Rating Score. Baseline score must exceed 2/10 to be included in the study.
Time frame: baseline, 2-weeks, 4-weeks, 3 months
Change in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index
The SPADI Pain subscale is measured on a 0-130 scale. Greater scores indicate increased pain. Patient must have score of 20% or greater to participate in study on both the pain and disability section.
Time frame: baseline, 2-weeks, 4-weeks, 3 months
Change in Global Rating of Change Score
Time frame: 2 week, 4 weeks, 3 months
Change in Medication Intake (Frequency of medication intake in last week)
Time frame: baseline, 3 months
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