Physical Therapy Management of Posterior Shoulder Pain Secondary to Cervical Spine and Scapular Dysfunction: A Case Report

Background: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that a physical therapist will treat. Not all shoulder pain stems from the shoulder itself. It can come from a referred source or from different areas of the body like the cervical and thoracic spine. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to highlight the rehabilitation of an individual with posterior shoulder pain caused by cervical and scapular dysfunction. Case Description: The patient is a 17-year-old male high school athlete with chief complaint of right shoulder pain. Intervention: Physical therapy focused on cervical and thoracic mobility with incorporated soft tissue mobilization techniques including functional dry needling. Various exercises to improve mobility, motor control, and strength were also a primary focus of intervention. Outcomes: The patient discharged pain free with no restrictions in football or lifting weights with a Patient Specific Functional Scale average of 9.5/10. Discussion: This case presents a successful example of physical therapy for a patient presenting with shoulder pain with the underlying cause coming from the cervical and thoracic spine.