Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder

Book excerpt: This innovative book presents diagnostic categories of shoulder impairments (physical therapy problems) that are outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. This approach to shoulder conditions is based on clustering common impairments and functional problems rather than the medical diagnoses, such as adhesive capsulitis, and primary and secondary impingement problems. The result is one of the first books on common orthopedic conditions that presents a specific framework for the practicing physical therapist to develop pathways for effective and consistent clinical management. The goal of the book as stated in the Guide is to be a first step toward the development of clinical guidelines, in that it classifies patients and identifies the range of current options for care.