Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Renee Mabey

Keywords

Back Pain -- therapy; Neck Pain -- therapy; Shoulder Pain -- therapy; Case Reports

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain may be caused by a number of different pathologies and can decrease a patient's functional ability and participation in their daily life. The purpose of this case study is to describe the use of strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, and neuroscience of pain education for decreasing pain in a patient with chronic neck, thoracic, and shoulder pain.

Case Description. The patient was a 69 year old female who had been experiencing neck, shoulder, and upper back pain for 8 months with an insidious onset. She was functionally limited and experienced pain with movement. Interventions included strengthening, stretching, joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, trigger point release, and neuroscience of pain education.

Outcomes. After 8 physical therapy sessions over 13 weeks, the patient's pain had greatly decreased and she was able to do activities she had been limited in.

Discussion. This case suggests that strengthening, stretching, joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, trigger point release, and neuroscience of pain education may have been beneficial in reducing pain and restoring function in this patient.

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