Dry Needling and Manipulation vs. Mobilization, Exercise and Interferential Electrotherapy for Shoulder Impingement (Subacromial Pain Syndrome)

Dry needling to the supraspinatus (proximal/distal teno-osseus junction and musculotendinous junction under acromion process), deltoid muscle, upper trapezius muscle and levator scapulae muscle on the painful side. Clinicians may also needle the terres major, infraspinatous, rhomboids and thoracic paraspinals, as needed. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.

HVLA thrust manipulation to cervical, thoracic and/or upper rib articulation (R1-R3).

Impairment-based mobilization targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.

Impairment-based exercise targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.

Interferential electrotherapy targeting the muscles, scapulae and joint capsule of the painful shoulder. Up to 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks.