Physical therapy management of an athlete with a Kim lesion using physical agents, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise: a case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Several operative procedures have been described for treating a Kim lesion. However, no physical therapy intervention has been documented as conservative treatment for these cases. Objective The purpose of this report was to describe a physical therapy management protocol for an athlete with a Kim lesion. Case Description A 22-year-old female volleyball athlete presented to physical therapy with an 8-month history of right shoulder pain when performing the serve and attack sports gestures. Pain was 5/10 on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain was localized along the glenohumeral joint, around the long head of the biceps brachii tendon, and at the subscapularis tendon insertion. Shoulder range of motion (ROM) was limited to flexion (150°), abduction (158°), and internal rotation (80°). Kim lesion was confirmed by clinical tests (Kim test and Jerk test) and via magnetic resonance imaging. Shoulder functional outcomes were verified through the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. Upper extremity sensorimotor control was verified in bimanual support by stabilometry on a baropodometer. Core function was assessed through a plank test and a side plank test. The 8-week course of treatment included manual therapy, physical agents, shoulder and scapular mobilizations, resistance and sensorimotor exercises, core strengthening, and functional exercises. Outcomes Physical therapy interventions resulted in a decrease in VAS pain (3/10), an increase in shoulder ROM (10.8°) and in UCLA shoulder score (from 22 to 33 points), a reduction in the center of pressure displacement (27–56%), and an increase in plank test (45%) and side plank test (21–29%) performance. The athlete had a full return to sport after the treatment. Conclusion We concluded that the protocol used for conservative management of Kim lesion resulted in clinical satisfactory physical and functional outcomes for the athlete.