Study Summary

Thirty-two patients with chronic shoulder impingement syndrome were randomized to receive exercise therapy with manual therapy (n=16) or exercise therapy alone (n=16). Outcomes of interest included pain on a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), scapular protraction, upward rotation, and disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires (DASH). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after four weeks of intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the addition of manual therapy significantly improved functional capacity, pain, and scapular range of motion compared to exercise therapy alone. These findings suggest that manual therapy enhances the effectiveness of exercise therapy for treating chronic shoulder impingement syndrome.