Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without sustained stretch mobilization of upper thoracic spine in patients of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Methodology:  In total 40 patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome were recruited in this controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups, thoracic mobilization group (n=20), Routine Physical Therapy group (n=20). The parallel treatment was given to both groups for 4 weeks (3 sessions per week). Outcomes were measured at baseline and after successful completion of 4 weeks treatment.  Pain intensity was measured through NPRS, and shoulder physical disability was measured through SPADI. Shoulder abduction and external rotation was measured through goniometry and T1-T4 level thoracic extension through 2 baseline bubble inclinometers. Data were analyzed through SPSS 23.0. 

Results:  Data were normally (P>0.05) distributed in both groups at base line. Both groups have statistically significant (P≤0.05) improvement for all outcome measures NPRS, SPADI, shoulder abduction and external rotation and thoracic spine extension.

Conclusion: Sustained stretch mobilization of upper thoracic spine (T1-T4) level should be used as adjunct therapy in management of extrinsic factor subacromial impingement syndrome.

Keywords: Routine physical therapy, Subacromial Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder pain syndrome and Thoracic mobilization,

Ethical Approval: This control trial was ethically approved from “Institutional Review Board” of the University of Lahore.