Effect of SNAGs and Scapular Mobilizations in Patients With Scapulocostal Syndrome

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Scapulocostal Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Cervical and Thoracic SNAGs; Other: traditional physical therapy and scapular mobilizations

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06656182

REC/MS-PT/01941 Rabia Asif

Details and patient eligibility

About

To determine the impact of SNAGs and Scapular mobilizations on pain, cervical and shoulder Range of motion and functional outcomes in individuals with Scapulocostal Syndrome.

Full description

The rationale for employing SNAGS (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) in treating scapulocostal syndrome is multifaceted. By targeting specific joint surfaces and soft tissue structures, SNAGS aim to address joint dysfunction, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in the scapulothoracic region. These sustained gliding movements not only modulate pain signals but also promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening the surrounding musculature. Additionally, SNAGS facilitate proper muscle activation patterns, optimizing muscle function and coordination. Their adaptability allows for a patient-centered approach, ensuring tailored treatment that considers individual symptoms, mobility deficits, and treatment goals, ultimately promoting better functional outcomes in individuals with scapulocostal syndrome.

Enrollment: 36 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age- 18 to 40 years.

  • Male and female both
  • Nonspecific neck pain with a duration of greater than 3 months
  • No pain reproduction on isometric muscle testing in shoulder.
  • Patients who could not achieve 60 degrees of upward rotation when elevating the arms above the head i.e. presence of scapular dyskinesia
  • pain with a referral pattern while receiving manual pressure of at least 3 points on the medial scapular muscles (levator scapulae, rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and serratus posterior superior) evaluated through Travels and Simon criteria.
  • Discomfort, pain, or limitations in neck extension, neck rotation bilaterally, shoulder forward flexion, shoulder abduction attributed to SCS.
  • Willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Musculoskeletal pathologies affecting the cervical spine or lower extremities (e.g., herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy, cervical stenosis, shoulder labral tear).

  • history of degenerative shoulder joint disease
  • rotator cuff dysfunction
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Brachial neuralgia
  • shoulder impingement syndrome
  • adhesive capsulitis
  • Pregnant individuals due to potential discomfort.
  • Open wounds, infections, or skin conditions at pain site.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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36 participants in 2 patient groups

Cervical and Thoracic SNAGs

Experimental group

Description:

Cervical and Thoracic SNAGs with 6 reps and 1 set along with cervical and shoulder muscle stretching and scapular mobilizations

Treatment:

Other: Cervical and Thoracic SNAGs

traditional physical therapy and scapular mobilizations

Active Comparator group

Description:

cervical and shoulder muscle stretching and scapular mobilizations

Treatment:

Other: traditional physical therapy and scapular mobilizations