NCT07064772

The Immediate Effects of First Rib Mobilization on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Shoulder Pain

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Andrews University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is to examine whether one session of a specific manual physical therapy technique, known as first rib mobilization, can lead to immediate improvements in pain and movement in individuals with shoulder pain. We hypothesize that this single treatment will result in reduced pain and increased ability to move the shoulder and neck. Researchers will compare first rib mobilization to a sham mobilization (a look-alike hands-on position that does not mobilize the first rib) to see if first rib mobilization works to immediately reduce pain and improve movement in patients with shoulder pain. Participants will receive first rib mobilization or a sham mobilization during a single session of physical therapy and will receive pre and post intervention measurements of their pain levels and neck and shoulder range of motion.

Conditions

• Shoulder Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	First Rib Mobilization	Participants in the mobilization group will receive either a seated or supine three stage progressive muscle energy technique (MET) plus a singular high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) mobilization technique directed to their first rib on their symptomatic side based on the discretion of the treating physical therapist.
OTHER	Sham Comparator	Participants in the sham mobilization (control) group will be placed in a supine, hook-lying position identical to the mobilization group; however, they will be instructed to inhale and exhale 3 times using diaphragmatic breathing (avoiding upper chest recruitment) as the physical therapist gently rests his or her hand over the area of the upper trapezius muscle just proximal to the first rib to simulate a sham mobilization hand placement. Therefore, physical therapists will not use any significant compressive force to the musculature, perform any tactile cueing for upper chest breathing, perform any mobilizations, nor perform any HVLAT techniques to participants in the sham mobilization group.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-14
• Primary completion: 2026-07-30
• Completion: 2026-07-30
• First posted: 2025-07-15
• Last updated: 2025-07-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States