Elbow Mobilization Effects Shoulder ROM !!?*

Elbow Mobilization Effects Shoulder ROM !!?*

Reference:Reference: Abbott J. 2001 Mobilization with movement applied to the elbow affects shoulder range of movement in subjects with lateral epincondylalgia. Manual Therapy 6(3), 170-177

23 subjects with lateral epicondylalgia (LE) participated in this study. Subjects had LE symptoms for an average of 16 months.

Passive shoulder ROM into lateral and medial rotation was measured bilaterally before intervention.

Each subject received a single treatment session consisting of up to 10 mobilizations with movement (MWM) to the effected/symptomatic elbow.

Passive shoulder ROM into lateral and medial rotation was measured bilaterally again post intervention

Result:Prior to intervention, subjects with LE had significant loss of ipsilateral shoulder lateral rotation ROM (i.e. Patients with a left LE had loss of left shoulder lateral rotation ROM when compared to the right side) (P<0.05)

Result #2: Post application of MWM to the elbow, the subjects with LE had significant increases in their shoulder lateral AND medial ROM on the affected limb (i.e. MWM to the left elbow increased left shoulder ROM)

Result #3: Surprisingly, post application of the MWM to the elbow, subjects with LE had significant increases in their shoulder lateral AND medial ROM on the unaffected limb (i.e. MWM to the left elbow increased right shoulder ROM also!!)

Study Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that mobilizations may have neurophysiological effects that help reduce facilitated muscle activity and hence improve ROM and function.

Clinical Relevance: Another study that supports the lateral glide MWM to the elbow may be a highly effective treatment technique for decreasing pain and increasing function for patients suffering from ?Tennis Elbow?.

Note: For a brief description of the actual technique please see APTEI Report Spring 2001 issue

Posted on: April 04, 2002