Case study: rehabilitation of a stiff and painful shoulder: a biomechanical approach

A review of the literature provides an abundance of information discussing the pathology and management of the painful, stiff shoulder. To the clinician, the treatment approach to shoulder dysfunction is confusing. The research demonstrates there are many different treatment regimes for the management of shoulder dysfunction, none of which indicate overwhelming success. Traditionally, the painful, stiff shoulder, commonly diagnosed as frozen shoulder, is assessed without consideration of the entire shoulder complex. The biomechanics of the shoulder complex must be re-evaluated before each treatment session to determine the appropriate course of treatment. This paper presents a treatment regime for the painful, stiff shoulder. The regime was developed with careful analysis of normal shoulder mechanics. J Ortho Sports Phys Ther 1987;9(3):118-126.