Relationship between shoulder impingement syndrome and thoracic posture.

Phys Ther. 2020 Apr 17;100(4):677-686. Hunter DJ, Rivett DA, McKeirnan S, Smith L, Snodgrass SJ.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common form of shoulder pain and a persistent musculoskeletal problem. Conservative and invasive treatments, aimed at the shoulder joint, have had limited success. Research suggests shoulder function is related to thoracic posture, but it is unknown whether thoracic posture is associated with SIS.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between SIS and thoracic posture.

Conclusion: Individuals with SIS had a greater thoracic kyphosis and less extension ROM than age- and gender-matched healthy controls. These results suggest that clinicians could consider addressing the thoracic spine in patients with SIS.

See abstract.