Rachael Lowe

Rachael Lowe is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Physiopedia. A physiotherapist and technology specialist Rachael has been working with Physiopedia since 2008 to create a resource that provides universal access to physiotherapy knowledge as well as a platform for connecting and educating the global physiotherapy profession.

Mobilizations of the asymptomatic cervical spine can reduce signs of shoulder dysfunction in adults

June 18, 2009October 12, 2022 by Rachael Lowe

Lynda McClatchie, Judi Laprade, Shelley Martin, Susan B. Jaglal, Denyse Richardson and Anne Agur

A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was used to examine the immediate effects of cervical lateral glide mobilizations on pain intensity and shoulder abduction painful arc in subjects with shoulder pain. Twenty-one subjects received interventions of both cervical mobilization and placebo over two sessions. Pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS) and painful arc were assessed prior to and following application of cervical mobilization or placebo intervention. Evaluation of cervical mobilization revealed the shoulder abduction painful arc and shoulder pain intensity were significantly decreased.

The results of this study suggest that any immediate change in shoulder pain or active shoulder range of motion following cervical mobilizations indicate that treatment directed toward the asymptomatic cervical spine may expedite recovery.

Manual Therapy,2009, 14(4), 369-374

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Rachael Lowe

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