Physical therapy for spinal accessory nerve injury complicated by adhesive capsulitis.
OBJECTIVE
The authors found no literature describing adhesive capsulitis as a consequence of spinal accessory nerve injury and no exercise program or protocol for patients with spinal accessory nerve injury. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a patient with adhesive capsulitis and spinal accessory nerve injury following a carotid endarterectomy.


METHODS
The patient was a 67-year-old woman referred for physical therapy following manipulation of the left shoulder and a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis by her orthopedist. Spinal accessory nerve injury was identified during the initial physical therapy examination, and a program of neuromuscular electrical stimulation was initiated.


RESULTS
The patient had almost full restoration of the involved muscle function after 5 months of physical therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report illustrates the importance of accurate diagnosis and suggests physical therapy intervention to manage adhesive capsulitis as a consequence of spinal accessory nerve injury.
Department of Physical Therapy, Wheeling Jesuit University, 316 Washington Ave, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA. laska@wju.edu
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Laska
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Hannig
D020436:Accessory Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D061227:Accessory Nerve Injuries; D000368:Aged; D002062:Bursitis / Q000209:etiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology