• Atkinson M
• Matthews R
• Brantingham JW
• Globe G
• Cassa T
• Connefin D
• Korporaal C

• Rotator Cuff / injuries
• Shoulder Pain / therapy

Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients were screened, and 60 volunteers, 30 per group (average age 42, range 18 to 76 years) with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy (supraspinatus tendinopathy) were randomized into two groups. Outcome measures included the Numerical Pain Rating Scale-101 (NRS-101), algometry, and goniometry. Full power was calculated at 95%, requiring a sample size of N=144 with a set at p=0.05.

Results: The unpaired t-test demonstrated a significant difference in favor of adjusting (Group 1) for algometry and goniometry (p=0.05). Friedman’s test, however, determined that for Group 1, there were statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases in the NRS-101 and significantly increased global range of motion (ROM) at final consultation in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation, and horizontal abduction (all p<0.05). Five patients dropped out and were replaced in the placebo group; none dropped out in the adjustment group. There were no serious adverse events. Blind assessors, longer follow-up, and functional outcome measures will improve future studies.

Conclusion: In this study, shoulder manipulation appeared efficacious (algometry, goniometric ROM) in short-term relief of rotator cuff tendinopathy vs. placebo (p=0.05). Regarding within-group change, there were also statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreased pain and increased global ROM with shoulder manipulation (p=0.05). Without full power, these data must be viewed with caution, but the results clearly merit further research.

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