CSAT week 10

Page 1: Greater and Lesser Tubercle Actions

  • Greater Tubercle

    • Actions:

      • Abduction

      • External Rotation

  • Lesser Tubercle

    • Action:


      • Internal Rotation(Source: Kendall et al., 2005)

Page 2: Palpating the SITS

  • Palpation Technique:

    • Thumb: Subscapularis

    • Index Finger: Supraspinatus

    • Middle Finger: Infraspinatus


    • Ring Finger: Teres Minor(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021)

Page 3: SITS Tendon Pathologies

  • Common Issues:

    • Partial or complete tears

    • Impingements

    • Calcification

  • Affected Populations:

    • Adults aged 40+

    • Younger athletes (repetitive overhead activities)

  • Pain Characteristics:


    • Described as a "dull ache" often in the anterior/lateral shoulder(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021; Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 4: Causes of SITS Tendon Pathologies

  • Pathology Causes:

    • Wear and tear under the acromion arch

    • Sports-related trauma or falls


    • Secondary issues related to shoulder instability(Source: Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 5: Rotator Cuff Injury Risk Factors

  • Major Risk Factors:

    • Advancing Age: Average age of tear repair is 59

    • Gender: Equally affects both sexes; more common in post-menopausal females

    • Smoking: Negatively impacts vascularity to tendons

    • Family History

    • Posture Problems: E.g., hyperkyphosis decreases acromial-humeral space

Page 6: Long Head of Biceps Pathologies

  • Injury Causes:

    • Relates to SITS injury

    • On the presence of SLAP lesions

  • Conditions:

    • LHB Tenosynovitis in the intertubercular sulcus/bicipital groove

    • Subacromial impingement

    • Increased wear from transverse humeral ligament injury

  • Pain Symptoms:


    • Presenting in anterior shoulder at bicipital groove(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021)

Page 7: Superior Labrum Tears (SLAP Lesions)

  • Definition:

    • Superior Labrum tear that runs Anterior to Posterior

  • Associated Injury:

    • Injury to long head of Biceps tendon

  • Causes:

    • Overhead throwing, falls on an outstretched arm, aging

  • Pain Characteristics:


    • Anterior GH pain; more diffuse than LHB injury(Source: Smithuis & Jan Vander Woude, 2021)

Page 8: Inferior Labrum Tears (Bankart Lesions)

  • Definition:

    • Tear of anterior/inferior labrum

  • Causes:

    • Repeated anterior GH dislocations, overhead athletes, trauma

  • Detection:

    • More challenging to assess physically

  • Pain Symptoms:

    • Generalized pain

  • Consequences:


    • Both lesions can lead to GH joint instability(Source: Smithuis & Jan Vander Woude, 2021)

Page 9: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

  • Also Known As:

    • Subacromial Pain Syndrome

  • Description:

    • Inflammation and impingement of structures (tendons, bursae) beneath the coracoacromial arch

  • Most Affected Structure:

    • Supraspinatus tendon

  • Mechanism:

    • Repetitive compression and microtrauma during arm abduction and rotation

  • Pain Characteristics:

    • Presenting at anterior/lateral shoulder

Page 10: Stages of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

  • Stage 1:

    • Under 25 years, acute inflammation, reversible edema

  • Stage 2:

    • Ages 35-40, increased friction, fibrous tendinitis, less reversible damage

  • Stage 3:


    • Over 40 years, risks of partial/complete tear, osteophyte formation(Source: Gibbons, 2020)

Page 11: Shoulder Bursitis

  • Description:

    • Subacromial Bursitis linked with impingement syndrome, common in overhead use

  • Mechanism:

    • Bursa irritation from compression by rotator cuff tendons, coracoacromial ligament, and acromion or long head of biceps tendon

  • Pain Symptoms:


    • Localized pain at superior lateral GH joint(Source: Visible Body, 2020)

Page 12: Structural Impingement Risk Factors

  • Key Factors:

    • Bursa inflammation or thickening

    • Thickening or tendinitis of SITS tendons

    • Abnormal acromion shape, spurs, or malunion fractures

    • Humeral head abnormalities or fractures

    • AC Joint abnormalities (sprain, degenerative spurs)

Page 13: Functional Impingement Risk Factors

  • Contributing Issues:

    • Weakness, inflammation, or imbalance of SITS tendons

    • Scapular factors due to poor postural adaptations, position, motion restrictions, or neuromuscular control issues

    • Capsular hyper/hypomobility


    • Neurological scapular winging(Source: Physiopedia, 2023)

Page 14: Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

  • Characteristics:

    • Painful condition with significant restriction in active and passive ROM

    • Tight, inflexible joint capsule

    • Restricted movements include external rotation and abduction

  • Affected Population:

    • Common in individuals aged 40-65; more prevalent in women

    • Can occur secondary to GH pathology, trauma, or idiopathic causes

  • Pain Symptoms:

    • Anterior/lateral shoulder pain that does not extend to the elbow

Page 15: Subjective Data Gathering

  • Intake Details:

    • Update health history forms as per CMTO

    • Consider age-related factors and underlying health conditions

    • Evaluate impact on ADLs

    • Document pain location, onset, mechanism of injury, and description

    • Family history and medications should be recorded


    • Consider the circle of care and any additional information(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021)

Page 16: Shoulder Pain Descriptors

  • Type of Pain by Structure:

    • Cramping, dull, aching: Muscle and ligament/joint capsule pain

    • Sharp, shooting: Nerve root pain

    • Deep, nagging, dull: Nerve pain

    • Sharp, severe, intolerable: Bone pain


    • Throbbing pain: Fracture and vasculature pain(Source: Wilson, 2023)

Page 17: Pain Severity and Activity Relation

  • Severity Levels:

    • Level 1: Pain after activity

    • Level 2: Pain at start, subsides with warm-up

    • Level 3: Pain during/after activity, no performance impact

    • Level 4: Pain during/after that affects performance

    • Level 5: Pain with ADLs

    • Level 6: Constant dull ache at rest, no sleep disturbance

    • Level 7: Dull ache at rest that disturbs sleep

Page 18: Objective Data Collection

  • Assessment Components:

    • Vitals

    • Posture

    • Gait

    • ROM

    • Special Orthopedic Tests (SOTs)

    • Palpation


    • Observations (e.g., bruising/swelling, deformity)(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021)

Page 19: Active Range of Motion (AROM) Assessment

  • AROM Measurement Ranges:

    • Assess willingness to move

    • Acromioclavicular painful arc: 180°

    • Glenohumeral painful arc: 120°

    • Painful arc observed at 45-60°

Page 20: Passive ROM Assessment

  • ROM Assessment:

    • Evaluate joint end range in degrees

    • End Feel Quality:

      • Normal

      • Abnormal:

        • Empty = restricted by pain


        • Capsular = may feel like tissue stretch but restriction occurs earlier in ROM and has a thicker quality(Source: Clinical Physio, 2019)

Page 21: Resisted Range of Motion (RROM) Assessment

  • Assessing Contractile Tissue Issues:

    • Strong & Pain-Free: No lesion, possible pain on palpation

    • Strong & Painful: Lesion of muscles/tendons (1st or 2nd degree)

    • Weak & Painful: Possible fracture with weakness due to inhibition


    • Weak & Pain-Free: Muscle rupture (3rd degree strain), or nerve involvement(Source: Clinical Physio, 2020)

Page 22: Special Orthopedic Tests for Shoulder

  • Shoulder Impingement Tests:

    • Near

    • Hawkins-Kennedy

  • Supraspinatus Tear Tests:

    • Empty Can Test

    • Drop Arm Test

  • SLAP Lesions:

    • Labral Crank

    • Speed's Test (also evaluates SLAP)

    • Yergason’s Test (also for transverse humeral ligament)

  • Arthritic Changes:

    • Ellman’s Compression Rotation Test

Page 23: Differential Assessment Activity

  • Activity Description:

    • Small group work on assigned scenarios

    • Perform ROM and SOTS of the GH region

    • Conduct combination of SOTs

    • Form a clinical impression and communicate findings

Page 24: Treatment of Chronic Supraspinatus Tendon Pathologies & Impingement

  • Duration:

    • 45-60 minutes

  • Areas to be Treated:

    • Upper body positioning for comfort, support posture, access structures

  • Treatment Goals:

    • Decrease pain through techniques like effleurage and rhythmical mobilizations

    • Rest muscle tone in primary and compensatory areas through various techniques

    • Improve biomechanical motion using fascial techniques and joint play

Page 25: Treatment Goals Continued

  • Focus Areas for Trigger Points:

    • Trapezius, levator scapula, SITS muscles, deltoids, pectoralis major/minor, latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps

    • Emphasis on lateral border of scapula and external rotators (infraspinatus & teres minor)

Page 26: Treatment Goals Continued

  • Additional Treatment Goals:

    • Normalize joint integrity (fascial, cross-fiber friction techniques)

    • Increase muscle performance with rhythmic mobilization and specific techniques


    • Example: Cross Fiber Friction of Supraspinatus(Source: International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, 2015)

Page 27: Glenohumeral Joint Play Examples

  • Inferior Glide:

    • Used to increase ROM (abduction and flexion) and decrease pain at the GH joint

  • Posterior Glide:


    • Used to increase ROM (internal rotation and flexion) and decrease pain at the GH joint(Source: Edmond, 2017)

Page 28: Trigger Point Pain – Front Shoulder

  • Affected Muscles:

    • Infraspinatus

    • Deltoid

    • Scalenes

    • Supraspinatus

    • Pectoralis


    • Biceps(Source: Tiggerpoint.net, 2020)

Page 29: Trigger Point Pain – Back Shoulder

  • Affected Muscles:

    • Trapezius

    • Levator Scapulae

    • Teres Major/Minor

    • Subscapularis


    • Triceps(Source: Tiggerpoint.net, 2020)

Page 30: Treatment Cautions & Contraindications

  • Special Considerations:

    • Require special consent for chest region documented in charts

    • No frictions with anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

    • Avoid corticosteroid injections for 14-21 days


    • Proceed with caution if the patient is on pain-relieving medications; consider patient consent(Source: Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 31: Case Study – Shane the Swimmer

  • Patient Profile:

    • 20-year-old competitive swimmer with left supraspinatus pain and ongoing impingement

    • Training 6 days a week with little health history

    • Reports pain increasing towards the end of training

    • Goals:

      • Decrease left shoulder pain

      • Reduce upper back and chest stiffness

Page 32: Peer Exchange Activity

  • Treatment Activity:

    • 30-minute treatment sessions in prone and supine positions focusing on back, neck, chest, and arms

    • Address fascial restrictions and trigger points as discussed

    • Review SITS anatomy and perform GH joint mobs and rhythmic mobilizations

    • Incorporate hot hydrotherapy and passive/PNF stretching

Page 33: Static Stretch Examples for Rotator Cuff

  • Stretches:

    • Supraspinatus Stretch (using towel or dowel)

    • Infraspinatus & Teres Minor Stretch


    • Subscapularis Stretch (using broom handle or towel)(Source: Bradford Family Chiropractic, 2020; Wilk, Hooks, & Macrina, 2023; Sports Injury Clinic, 2011)

Page 34: Strengthening Exercises for Rotator Cuff

  • Exercises:

    • Internal Rotation (subscapularis)

    • External Rotation (infraspinatus, teres minor)


    • Scapular Squeezes (mid traps, rhomboids)(Source: Sports Injury Clinic, 2023)

Page 35: Exercise Prescription

  • Prescription Details:

    • Frequency: 1x day, in the morning after a shower

    • Intensity: tension, no pain

    • Duration: 30 seconds

    • Type: Static triceps stretch with towel

    • Observe technique and ensure safety; discontinue if pain occurs

Page 36: General Prognosis for Supraspinatus Injury & Impingement

  • Treatment Schedule:

    • 2-3 times a week for weeks 1-2

    • 1-2 times a week for weeks 3-4

  • Efficacy of Treatment:

    • Combined massage with therapeutic exercise is more effective for managing impingement

    • Outcomes depend on duration of inflammation before treatment

Page 37: Shoulder Pain Mapping

  • Common Conditions Mapped:

    • E: Clavicle Injury

    • F: Brachial Neuritis

    • G: SCJ Injury

    • H: ACJ Injury

    • I: Supraspinatus Acute Tendonitis

    • J: Heart Attack


    • K: Mid-Shaft Fracture(Website Reference: shoulder-pain-explained.com)

Page 38: Common Fractures of GH Region

  • Fracture Types:

    • Clavicle fracture (most common)

    • Humerus and scapula fractures (less common)

  • Causes:


    • Trauma, falls, car accidents, direct blows to shoulder, sport-related injuries(Source: Unknown Author)

Page 39: Glenohumeral (GH) Dislocation Types

  • Dislocation Types:

    • Anterior: Most common, caused by falling on an outstretched arm

    • Posterior: Less common, high-energy trauma with humerus in flexion and adduction


    • Inferior: Least common, traumatic falls (motorcycle incidents)(Source: Kisner, Colby, & Borstad, 2018)

Page 40: Acromioclavicular (A/C) Separation Causes

  • Cause:

    • Falling on outstretched arm or shoulder

    • Distal end of clavicle displaces posteriorly and superiorly


    • Ligaments supporting A/C joint may rupture(Source: Kisner, Colby, & Borstad, 2018)

Page 41: Rotator Cuff (SITS) Strains

  • Strain Definition:

    • Injury involving supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis

    • Most Commonly Injured:

      • Supraspinatus (95% of injuries)

    • Causes:

      • Trauma, overuse, fall on outstretched hand

    • Graded Severity:

      • 1: microtear

      • 2: rupture of fibers

      • 3: complete rupture

    • Symptoms:


      • Weakness, loss of function, pain influenced by risk factors like age, smoking, and diabetes(Source: Kisner, Colby & Borstad, 2018; Physiopedia, 2023)

Page 42: Assessing Acute GH Injuries

  • Assessment Steps:

    • Comprehensive intake and documentation processes

    • Focused pain-related questions (LORD FICARAH)

    • Record vitals, posture, and gait observations

    • Avoid removing slings or supportive braces; AROM may be demonstrated


    • All other assessments contraindicated; assess compensatory areas(Source: Magee & Manske, 2021; Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 43: Considerations for Acute GH Injury Assessment

  • Future Assessments:

    • Consider evaluating compensating areas for injuries

    • Assess if injury has been diagnosed by another healthcare provider

    • Possible rescheduling or referral recommended

Page 44: Signs & Symptoms of Acute Injuries

  • Common Symptoms:

    • Snapping or popping noise at injury

    • Patient describes joint instability and severe pain

    • Signs of bruising, swelling, or joint deformity


    • Possible injuries to nerves, bones, or blood vessels in the area(Source: Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 45: Preparing for Treatment

  • Patient Communication:

    • Discuss attire requirements (tank top, buttons) prior to appointment

    • Consider if patient needs assistance with changing clothes

Page 46: Treatment of Acute GH Pathologies

  • Treatment Areas:

    • Neck, unaffected shoulder, arm and hand, and chest (with consent)

  • Focus of Treatment:

    • Decrease pain and SNS firing

    • Reduce edema and maintain ROM in compensating areas

  • Duration:


    • 30-45 minutes(Source: Andrade, 2014; Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 47: Positioning for Acute GH Treatment

  • Positioning Options:

    • Seated with arm supported or supine (may require assistance)

    • Side lying position with the affected side up, considering patient’s comfort

Page 48: Draping for Treatment of Acute GH Pathologies

  • Draping Options:

    • Working over clothing

    • Assisted "Toga Style" Drape

    • Medical gown or tank tops – permission required for moving straps


    • Involvement of sports bras(Source: Unknown Author)

Page 49: RICE Treatment for Acute GH Pathologies

  • RICE Principles:

    • Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation of the affected area

    • Consider the weight of ice or gel pack for treatment

  • Superficial Techniques:

    • Lymph drainage towards terminus with possible cross-drainage if necessary


    • Caution advised when treating cervical spine due to protective spasm(Source: Unknown Author)

Page 50: Distal and Compensating Treatment

  • Distal Treatment Techniques:

    • Static contact, gentle muscle squeezing for comfort

  • Compensating Areas:


    • Treatment within pain tolerance; kneading and muscle squeezing while avoiding pain-inducing techniques(Source: Unknown Author)

Page 51: Treatment Cautions & Contraindications

  • Avoidances:

    • Do not remove protective spasms in cases of acute dislocation

    • Avoid positioning limb as per injury causes

    • Referrals required for suspected tears


    • Caution with anti-inflammatory medications and patient consent to treatment(Source: Rattray & Ludwig, 2005)

Page 52: Self-Care Recommendations

  • Self-Care Instructions:

    • Rest and ice (with barrier) on affected areas

    • Immobilization may be needed for 2 weeks in 40+ inactive populations

    • Incorporate pain-free AROM of unaffected shoulder and neck; caution with neck stretches

Page 53: Complementary Modalities

  • Additional Treatment Modalities:

    • Low-level light therapy to promote healing

    • Acupuncture for reduced inflammation and enhanced healing

    • Kinesiology taping & bracing to control inflammation and provide stability

Page 54: Treatment Frequency & Expected Outcomes

  • Frequency Recommendation:

    • Shorter, more frequent treatments to address inflammation: 2-3 times a week

    • Progress to 1 treatment per week over time

  • Outcome Factors:

    • Patient’s overall health, age, pre-injury activity levels, injury history/severity, compliance with care