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First Rib Mobilization for Shoulder Pain

This study is looking at whether a single session of a physical therapy technique called First Rib Mobilization can immediately reduce pain and improve movement in people with shoulder pain. Researchers will compare this technique to a sham treatment (a hands-on position that doesn't actually mobilize the rib) to see if First Rib Mobilization is effective. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 75 years old, have shoulder pain that is at least 3 out of 10 on a pain scale, and are currently attending physical therapy. The study will measure success by looking at changes in your pain intensity and how much you can move your shoulder and neck right after the treatment. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 64 participants. It compares First Rib Mobilization to a sham treatment.
What's involved
Participants will receive either First Rib Mobilization or a sham treatment. Your range of motion and pain intensity will be measured before and immediately after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be assessed immediately following the intervention, with no further follow-up specified.

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NCT07064772

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

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18–75InterventionalTreatment
Andrews University
~64 participants
Updated 2025-07-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:First Rib MobilizationSham Comparator

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Range of motion
Measured over Cervical and shoulder active range of motion will be assessed in participants in both groups at baseline and immediately following the intervention
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Shoulder Pain

Explore related trials

Shoulder Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Who to contact

Joseph R Hribick, Doctor of Physical Therapy
[email protected]
717-538-0786
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Men and Women
Ages 18-75 years old
Attending physical therapy
Primary complaint of shoulder pain
Pain intensity \>3/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
A Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick DASH) score greater than 16% impaired

Exclusion

Previous shoulder or neck surgery
Clinical signs of a full rotator cuff tear (positive drop arm test)
Having positive MRI findings of a complete rotator cuff tear
Having a positive Spurling's test
Having a steroid injection in the cervical spine and/or shoulder in the last two months
Having any red flags (history of cancer, upper motor neuron disorder, fractures, osteoporosis, acute inflammatory process)
Expressing fear/anxiety related to receiving manual therapy treatment

What this trial measures

  • Range of motionCervical and shoulder active range of motion will be assessed in participants in both groups at baseline and immediately following the intervention

    Cervical and Shoulder active range of motion

  • Pain IntensityChange in pain intensity from baseline to immediately following intervention in both groups

    Pain Intensity will be assessed via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). On this scale, zero is equivalent to no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.