Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Department
Physical Therapy
First Advisor
Romanick, Mark
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Rotator cuff pathology includes dysfunction of at least one of the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder. This case report assesses the effectiveness of conservative physical therapy treatment with a patient who has pathology of the rotator cuff musculature and the result of the patient’s function following the treatment. Case Description: The patient was a female in her mid-60s who had fallen and landed on her elbow, resulting in pain of the shoulder. This patient was seen in the outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic for a total of 10 treatments. Interventions: The patient underwent conservative physical therapy treatment with goals to minimize pain levels, improve quality of range of motion, and strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular musculature. Outcomes: This patient was ultimately able to complete full range of motion with minimal pain and return to functional activities of the shoulder that the patient was performing prior to her fall without pain, ultimately showing improvement in shoulder strength. Discussion: The patient responded well to treatments and reached all of her goals that were set. Ultimately, more research must be done in order to find the best treatment protocol for patients with rotator cuff pathology.
Recommended Citation
Braegelman, Hailey Lynn, "Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Rotator Cuff Pathology" (2022). Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects. 791.
https://commons.und.edu/pt-grad/791