Osteopathic Manipulation and Shoulder Pain

The loss of functional ability of the shoulder joint due to tendonitis/bursitis, osteoarthritis, trauma or stroke is a common occurrence in the geriatiric population. Treatment modalities have consisted of a combination of rest, physical therapy, medication, and perhaps surgery. The treatment of this chronic somatic dysfunction by osteopathic manipulative treatment such as the Spencer technique has not, however, received much attention.

Twenty nine elderly volunteers (> = 62 years of age) were recruited who had chronic shoulder pain, decreased range of motion or decreased functional abilities of one shoulder. Subjects were randomized to receive 5 treatments of the Spencer technique or a "sham" Spencer technique (placebo) to the affected shoulder with assessment of pain, range of motion and functional abilities each week after treatment by a blinded assessor.

There was an effect overall on both treatment and placebo groups on pain perception and range of motion. Passive shoulder abduction and sitting flexion range of motion improved significantly in the treatment group (p<.03, <.04 respectively). Chronic shoulder dysfunction in the elderly can be improved with osteopathic manipulative treatment.
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Improving functional ability in the elderly by osteopathic manipulative treatment. JA Knebl, DO, et al. 37th Annual AOA Research Conference Abstracts, 1993