Treating shoulder impingement using the supraspinatus synchronization exercise

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic care and sports medicine.
• Orthopedic rehabilitation and biomechanics.

Background:

• Athletes increasingly seek chiropractic care for sports-related injuries.
• Shoulder impingement is a common ailment affecting athletic performance.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old competitive swimmer presented with a four-month history of bilateral shoulder pain, exacerbated by the backstroke.
• Clinical diagnosis was bilateral stage I shoulder impingement (Neer's classification).

Findings:

• The patient received conservative treatment including the novel supraspinatus synchronization exercise, chiropractic manipulative therapy, ice, electrical muscle stimulation, and band exercises.
• Seven treatments over four weeks resulted in complete resolution of shoulder pain.

Implications:

• The supraspinatus synchronization exercise shows promise as an effective conservative treatment for shoulder impingement in athletes.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of this specific exercise for shoulder dysfunction.