Study design: Randomized clinical trial.

Objectives:To evaluate the effects of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulations (HVLATMs) and various messages on patients with musculoskeletal shoulder symptoms.

Background: Previous studies indicated that HVLATM directed at the thoracic spine and ribs resulted in improvements of shoulder range of motion, pain, and disability in patients with musculoskeletal shoulder symptoms. These studies did not explore if the outcome was dependent on thrust location, clinician communication with the patient, or if there were any lasting effects.

Methods: A consecutive sample of 100 patients with shoulder pain was randomized into four groups. Patients received one intervention session including: six thoracic HVLATM (spine versus scapula), a message about HVLATM (neutral versus positive), and standardized home exercises. Outcome measures included shoulder Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), NPRS with impingement testing, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Measurements were recorded prior to intervention, immediately following intervention, and at short-term follow-up. Kruskal–Wallis statistics were used for between-group comparisons and Wilcoxon signed ranks for within-group comparisons.

Results: Eighty-eight patients (22 per group) completed the study. Statistically significant differences were found for within-group comparisons for most time points assessed. No statistical differences were found for between-group comparisons.

Conclusion: Patients improved following the interventions. Neither the type of HVLATM nor the message conveyed to the patients had a significant effect on the patients’ improvements.

Level of evidence: 1b