Effectiveness of thoracic spine thrust manipulation on a person with shoulder impingement: Case study

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most frequently encountered musculoskeletal disorders, contributing to nearly 44-65% of all clinical consultations related to shoulder pain. It is characterized by pain, restricted range of motion, and reduced functional ability. Altered thoracic spine mobility has been identified as an important contributing factor influencing shoulder biomechanics and scapular kinematics, thereby increasing mechanical stress on the rotator cuff and surrounding structures. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic spine thrust manipulation in a patient diagnosed with stage III shoulder impingement syndrome. This single case study was conducted on a 75-year-old male with stage III shoulder impingement syndrome. Thoracic spine thrust manipulation was administered over a period of 7-10 days. Outcome measures included shoulder range of motion (ROM) assessed using a goniometer and functional disability assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Measurements were recorded before the intervention and after completion of the treatment period. Following the intervention, the patient demonstrated improvement in shoulder range of motion, reduction in pain intensity, and enhanced functional ability as reflected by improved SPADI scores. The findings of this study suggest that thoracic spine thrust manipulation is an effective intervention for reducing pain, improving shoulder mobility, and enhancing functional performance and quality of life in a patient with shoulder impingement syndrome.