Effect of sternoclavicular joint mobilization on pain and function in a patient with massive supraspinatus tear.

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can be difficult to treat conservatively, especially when the patient has multiple comorbidities. Although there is evidence to support interventions aimed at the spine, there is paucity in the literature describing interventions to the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) in individuals with rotator cuff pathology. A 57-year-old female with multiple comorbidities and a body mass index of 59 was referred to physical therapy with a 4-month history of right shoulder pain, significant functional limitations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), demonstrating a full-thickness supraspinatus tear.