The effectiveness of cervical mobilization on decreasing pain, increasing shoulder strength and function in patients with non-specific shoulder/arm pain

The intervention group 1 (anterior to posterior gapping and lateral glide cervical mobilization): Subjects in this group will receive cervical mobilization treatments including (1) anterior–posterior gapping of the facet joints, performed in supine for 30 repetitions for 3 sets; and (2) lateral to medial gliding movements of each cervical segment from C3 to C6, performed in supine for 30 repetitions for 3 sets. The intervention will be given by a physiotherapist. The intervention group 2 (anterior to posterior gapping mobilization): Subjects in this group will receive cervical mobilization treatments including the anterior–posterior gapping of the facet joints, performed in supine for 30 repetitions for 3 sets. The intervention will be given by a physiotherapist. The above two intervention groups will also receive modality intervention after mobilization. The modality intervention include the application of hot pack for 10 mins, ultrasound and/or interferential current therapy (frequency: 50-160Hz, 4bps; Intensity: 10-50mA) for 15 mins. The approximate duration of each treatment session for each group will be 45 minutes. The whole treatment program for the two intervention groups will be 6 sessions (2 sessions per week for 3 weeks). The intervention adherence will be recorded using a log sheet by the study therapist. Subjects will be reminded to adhere their treatment schedule during each session.