Overview
Irritability was defined by Geoffrey Maitland as the vigor of activity to provoke symptoms, the severity of symptoms, and time for symptoms to subside. Irritability is deeply embedded in the physical therapy clinical decision-making process. However, the mechanisms contributing to irritability are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize pain sensitivity and pain-related psychological factors by irritability level in individuals with shoulder pain.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- shoulder pain symptom intensity rated as 3/10 or higher in the past 24 hours
- attending physical therapy for shoulder pain
Exclusion Criteria:
- non-English speaking
- systemic medical conditions that affect sensation, such as uncontrolled diabetes
- history of shoulder surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
- history of a chronic pain condition, such as fibromyalgia
- blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia
- contraindication to the application of ice (blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, circulatory compromise)
- currently pregnant