Robert E. Boyles, Bradley M. Ritland, Brian M. Miracle, Daniel M. Barclay, Mary S. Faul, Josef H. Moore, Shane L. Koppenhaver and Robert S. Wainner
The study was an exploratory, one group pretest/post-test study, with the objective of investigating the short-term effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulations (TSTMs) on patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Fifty-six patients with SIS underwent a standardized shoulder examination, immediately followed by TSTM techniques. At 48-h follow-up, the NPRS change scores for Neer impingement sign, Hawkins impingement sign, resisted empty can, resisted external rotation, resisted internal rotation, and active abduction were all statistically significant. The reduction in the SPADI score was also statistically significant.
In conclusion, TSTM provided a statistically significant decrease in self reported pain measures and disability in patients with SIS at 48-h follow-up.
Manual Therapy, 2009, 14(4), 375-380