Dry Needling for Sub Acromial Pain Syndrome (DITTO SAPS)
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome focused on measuring Shoulder pain, Subacromial, bursitis, rotator cuff, tendinopathy, dry needling, myofascial trigger point
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 to 65
- Read and speak English well enough to provide informed consent, follow study instructions, and independently answer the questionnaires/surveys
- Tricare beneficiary
- Primary complaint of new episode of shoulder pain; defined as not having sought care for shoulder condition in 6 months prior
- Available and willing to come in for treatment (~10 sessions over 6 week period)
- Meets criteria for SAPS from description below, by having 2 of the 4 following physical exam findings:
- Impingement signs (Neer, Hawkins, or Jobe tests)
- Painful arc
- Pain with isometric resistance (ER/IR/ABD)
- Rotator cuff weakness on the injured side in comparison to the opposite side
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of shoulder dislocation, subluxation, fracture, adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint, or cervical/shoulder/upper back surgery
- Presence of cervical radiculopathy, radiculitis, or referral from cervical spine
- Total baseline SPADI score less than 20% (to prevent a ceiling effect with treatment)
- Anyone pending a medical evaluation board, discharge from the military for medical reasons, or pending or undergoing any litigation for an injury
- Unable to give informed consent to participate in the study.
- Pregnancy
Sites / Locations
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Experimental
Sham Comparator
Standard PT Treatment
Standard PT Treatment plus DN
Standard PT Treatment plus Sham DN
This group will receive manual therapy and exercise interventions provided by their physical therapist. The treatment will occur for 10 sessions over 6 weeks. Interventions: Manual therapy interventions including mobilization and manipulation of the shoulder girdle spine and ribcage. Exercise interventions will include strengthening and flexibility exercises for rotator cuff and shoulder girdle musculature.
In addition to the standard PT interventions, the Dry Needling (DN) group will receive 6 DN sessions as part of their rehabilitation visits.
In addition to the standard PT treatment, patients in the sham DN group will receive 6 sessions of sham DN intervention.